About a dozen tents set up in Riverside
Fourth of July celebrations will be different for many communities midst the coronavirus pandemic.
The City of Parkville has decided it will not hold its annual parade and community celebration this Independence Day. The City of Platte City has ‘postponed’ its annual Fourth of July fireworks display.
No doubt these decisions were not made lightly. Regardless, families still plan to partake in all the best 4th of July has to offer.
Enjoying a corn on the cob and a steak off the grill.
Sitting on the porch with a lemonade.
Grabbing a stars and stripes tart.
It is still to be seen if fireworks will light up the sky this Fourth of July holiday, but it’s clear from Riverside’s fireworks inventory that local businesses have certainly succeeded in bringing fireworks to the community.
As the sale of fireworks in the Show-Me state kicked off Thursday, more than a dozen firework tents popped up in City of Riverside. For many, it’s a reassuring sight that this hyper-seasonal product will add sparkle this holiday.
For decades, Riverside has been synonymous with fireworks. Platte Countians have had the good fortune of puttering through aisles of glimmering fireworks since the city’s inception.
Mayor Kathy Rose said Riverside has become the “go-to for fireworks,” especially thanks to the old-time vendors like, Mike’s Fireworks and E.H. Young, beckoning people with goods deals and spectacular ads. Although those two businessmen have passed away, their passion for fireworks still lures customers to Riverside each year.
Even with widespread cancellations of many firework celebrations due to Covid-19 precautions, city officials anticipate that families will purchase many backyard fireworks and celebrate at home.
“I absolutely believe there will be an uptick in the sale of fireworks this holiday,” said Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, “fireworks remain one of the few ways American families can escape their fast-paced, technology-laden lives to enjoy a multi-generational family activity full of beautiful colors and bright lights. Events that include fireworks displays can add millions of dollars to local economies and sales from backyard fireworks raise significant tax revenue.”
While sales tax revenue brought in from the sale of fireworks is “minuscule,” to the City of Riverside, it certainly attracts people of all ages to shop, eat and play.
“If we end up having wonderful weather for the Fourth of July, then I think it is going to be loud in this town,” said Rose.
As the holiday approaches, officials of course are urging consumers to be careful with their fireworks.
“Each year, we remind people that the best sights and safest experiences are at public fireworks displays because of the dangers posed by using consumer fireworks,” Missouri State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “This year, we are concerned if more people choose to turn to consumer fireworks, it could lead to additional injuries and fires. We urge everyone to be extremely cautious, and to review safety guidelines for using consumer fireworks.”