It just would not be Independence Day without fireworks. They are a blast to watch. We first celebrated this holiday in 1777, one year after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Among the cities that lay claim to that first 1777 celebration are Bristol, Rhode Island (oldest parade) and Philadelphia, which had a fireworks celebration that first year.
Trivia note – Rhode Island was the last of the 13 original colonies to join the United States and did so a full year after George Washington was inaugurated. I guess the folks in RI then really wanted to be independent.
Origin of Fireworks. Fireworks were invented in the 12th century by the Chinese, who discovered early versions of gun powder. (Nothing is written about the first person who discovered it. My guess is he, yes probably a guy, didn’t live to tell the story.) The Chinese used fireworks to scare away evil spirits and to celebrate their New Year and other holidays.
The Industry. The U.S. fireworks industry is a fast growing billion dollar industry. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (“APA”) revenue for 2015 was $1.1 billion, up from $425 million in 1998, growing about eight percent a year. Approximately 69% of this revenue and 91% of the poundage comes from the consumer segment. The other 31% of revenue and 8% of poundage is from the “display” or public demonstration segment.
Almost all of the consumer market’s fireworks are made in China by hand and imported into the U.S. This is largely due to the very tight safety requirements imposed for fireworks factories in the U.S. However, most of the “display” or public demonstration fireworks are manufactured and performed by U.S. companies. The largest two are Fireworks by Grucci founded in New York in the 1870s and Zambelli Fireworks, a family business founded in New Castle, Pennsylvania in 1893. There are a number of good business videos about the Zambelli family.
Retail sales of some form of fireworks to consumers are allowed in all states except Delaware, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. While the public has concerns about consumer safety, fires, and environmental impact, it does not seem to be affecting the overall tonnage of fireworks sales. And, according to the APA, injuries and fires per pound sold have been on a steady decline as the packaging and ease of using fireworks has improved.
Not surprising, most accidents and fires are caused by irresponsible adults, who mix fireworks with alcohol.
Most experts agree that fireworks that explode and then land in the water do pollute our waters because metals from their residue get deposited there.
Our family does not use fireworks, but we certainly enjoy those deployed by our towns and other families nearby. Have a blast watching fireworks and don’t forget why we are celebrating – independence from the King.
