How to Put Together a Fireworks Display for Labor Day

Nothing says celebration like a big fireworks display. Even for Labor Day, when many cities don't put on their own shows, you can still enjoy the magic of fireworks by setting up a display right in your own backyard. While many types of fireworks are prohibited, you can usually find some for sale legally. These types of fireworks can be enjoyed by everybody with a little preparation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bottle rockets
• Snakes
• Sparklers
• Pinwheels
• Roman candles
• Single-shot aerial tubes
• Ground spinners
• Firecracker packs
• Flares

1. Choose simple fireworks that are easy to put together and light. These include shells, roman candles and sparklers. Or stay safe by choosing non-explosive goods such as pinwheels and ground spinners.

2. Find out what your state allows. Residents of Massachusetts and New York are prohibited from using any type of firework. In other states, only ground fireworks, such as snakes, are allowed. Furthermore, some local governments may ban the use of fireworks.

3. Try single-shot aerial tubes or bottle rockets (which provide a lot impact for the money), as long as your state allows it and you are in a wide open area.

4. Get a group of friends or neighbors together and pool your resources to set up a display. This will help your celebration last much longer and may help foster good will in your neighborhood.

5. Buy any fireworks you plan to use on Labor Day weekend well in advance. Not only will they be harder to find over the holiday, but local regulations may prohibit their sale on that specific weekend.

Tips & Warnings

• For double impact, put together a fireworks display near water. The reflection will make even the smallest display look much bigger.
• Out of courtesy, don't use fireworks near hospitals, airports and animal shelters.
• Tell your neighbors before you start lighting off fireworks. Although most people expect a little bit of celebrating in their neighborhoods, others may be frightened and bothered by the loud noise.
• Avoid the temptation of buying illegal fireworks. Not only can you run into trouble with the police, but you are also risking the safety of the people around you by using something you don't know how to handle.
• Fireworks can be messy. Ash, debris and residual parts can both harm people and damage the environment, cars or buildings. Make sure you are in an open area before setting them off and always clean up any leftovers when you're finished.
• Stay away from power cables when setting off fireworks.
• Keep your pets indoors. Frightened animals may run away or get hurt.
• Don't let small children handle fireworks.