Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More
Continue in Browser
Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.
Please enter a valid zipcode.
Save
Russell Gian recently turned 18, and is buying fireworks for the first time at Rizer Fireworks, a family-owned store for more than 40 years.
"It’s a new experience. I think it’s cool," he said. "You’ve got to expect to spend a lot when you pay for fireworks."
"The 250th anniversary of America, that’s a big deal and we’re so honored to a part of it. To get to help all the people celebrate this milestone in America," said Christina Rizer Tepke, vice president, Rizer Fireworks.
Store leaders say prices have remained steady, minus small increases on some of the more larger, popular items.
Since fireworks are manufactured in China, the order was placed a year ago when tariffs were about 10% to 30%.
"Everybody’s experiencing the higher prices, at the gas station, the supermarket, so when they come in here I think that a lot of people are already expecting price increases, so it’s a little bit of a relief when they see that it’s not as astronomical as in some of the other places," said Rizer Tepke.
That includes Fletcher Kay, who says he wasn’t all too concerned about the possible increase, since he hasn’t bought fireworks in about five years.
"We’re celebrating 250 years and it’s amazing. Everything’s gotten a little more expensive, I’m not going to let that bother me," said Fletcher.
"This is the busiest we’ve been in our history. We definitely have expanded our market in New York state this year, for sure," said Brad Cetnarowski, director of northeast sales, Zambelli Fireworks.
Leaders with Zambelli fireworks, also a longtime family-owned commercial business, now in its fourth generation, say rising insurance and fuel costs, as well as 35% to 40% tariff on product and shipping from China forced them to raise prices as well. They also get a lot of their product from Spain.
Leaders say they’re splitting that cost with customers for the most part, as some have doubled and tripled their orders this year.
"With the celebration of the 250th this year, we know it’s an important time for everybody so we’re doing our best to work with our customers to produce the best shows we possibly can within their budgets," said Cetnarowski.
Like the village of Lakewood in Chautauqua County, that Zambelli says will get a little more bang for their buck. Still, the village is paying $27,000 for its show this year. That’s compared to 23,000 last year, a difference of $4,000, and $21,000 in 2024, a difference of $6,000.
"It is an expensive show. Costs always rise. And this is one we want to make sure happens for our year-round residents as well as our season residents and they count on that," said Randy Holcomb, Lakewood mayor.
Gian didn’t let that price stop him from spending more than $800
"I’m fine with it," he said. "It’s completely great. I love it."
New York State Police say aerial fireworks and those that explode are illegal, though state compliant sparkling devices, ground-based or handheld, are permitted in most areas. Public displays that are put on by licensed professionals are also allowed.
State Police also say for those who legally buy fireworks out of state but are caught setting them off illegally in New York face large fines and possible jail time. Possession of a firework is a class B misdemeanor. If you use illegal fireworks and you cause personal injury or property damage, you are civilly and criminally responsible.
Rizer leaders say they don’t ask out-of-state customers where they’re going, as it’s none of their business, but they do encourage customers to check their state and local laws.
They do ask that customers sign a form promising to be responsible with their fireworks when they leave the store, and that they’ll be safe.
Leave a Reply