Fireworks sales begin in Newton

Legal fireworks sales in Iowa began June 13, and both big-box stores and small tents across the state are taking advantage of the new laws.

The state of Iowa issues licenses to sell fireworks. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, licenses have been issued to five vendors in Newton. Permanent structures, Walmart and Theisen’s, were issued licenses on June 11.

Three temporary structures have also been approved to sell fireworks in the city. Sally’s Fireworks will be set up 4222 S. 22nd Ave E., Ka-Boomer’s Enterprises, Inc. will be selling at 104 E. 31st St. S. and Iowa Fireworks Company is operating at 1701 First Ave. W.

Iowa Fireworks Company wasted no time setting up shop. The company’s Newton tent in the Store For Homes parking lot is one of its 20 locations statewide.

Chris Flannery of Iowa Fireworks Company said they opened for business last week and will continue to sell fireworks until the state law prohibits it on July 8. The company’s owners, he said, had the paperwork set up months in advance.

While fireworks consumers in Newton aren’t pleased about the restrictive city ordinance for setting off fireworks, they are happy to be able to purchase them in town, Flannery said.

“Everybody is super excited,” he said. “I’ve heard probably 20 times in the last two days — ‘this is so much better than driving down to Missouri and giving them our money.’”

Iowa Fireworks Company has a wide-ranging inventory. Everything from novelty fireworks like sparklers and smoke bombs to the “Instigator” that launches 84 shots into the sky are available at the tent.

“Whatever you’re looking to do,” Flannery said. “If you’re looking to entertain the kids or if you’re looking to entertain the whole neighborhood, we can pretty much cover it.”

The state law permits the use of fireworks between June 1 and July 8 during the summer and between Dec. 10 and Jan. 3 during the winter between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.

In addition, Iowans can set off fireworks until 11 p.m. on July 4 and the Saturdays and Sundays immediately preceding and following July 4. An extension until 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 is also allowed for New Year’s celebrating.

The law allows for local governments to “opt out” and further restrict or ban the use of fireworks. Some cities completely banned setting off fireworks, and others went along with the state law.

Newton found a middle ground. The city’s ordinance allows fireworks to be shot off only on the Fourth of July from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. the following morning.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com