Freedom of fireworks
To begin with, I am not a fireworks fanatic. I don't mind watching a few of them but I'm not one to buy them in mass quantities and revel in discharging them.
However, I enjoyed the fact that I could sit in my lawn chair and watch fireworks as they lit up the sky. It brought back childhood memories.
It was great to see families and neighbors congregating for good food, good company, and fireworks at dark — just like years gone by.
Watching my grandson experience his first real Independence Day was enjoyable. These are the memories my grandson and every child should have the opportunity to experience. These are the memories we cherish as adults.
Thanks, Darvin Markley, for asking the city commission to consider the ordinance, and thanks to the commission for allowing a tradition to be revived.
On the down side, concerns were expressed at the July 6 Marion City Commission meeting about fireworks and how they needed to be more restricted for next year.
Aerial displays, number of days fireworks could be discharged, fireworks debris in the streets, and some items sold in a local fireworks stand were the topics of concern.
Here are some suggestions. If there is a concern about the more professional aerial displays, only allow them in designated areas. Police chief Soyez made this suggestion and I agree with it.
Maybe the city could issue permits specifically for that type of display and as long as the ground is wet and aerials are shot away from other property, it would be safe.
I think the discharging time is too long. After five 13-hour days, I admit I was getting a little weary of the redundant popping of firecrackers. Probably three days are plenty.
The ordinance prohibits the shooting of fireworks in the street or on public property. People probably just weren't aware of the rules, with it being the first year.
A list provided to fireworks vendors should remedy the problem of "illegal" or unauthorized fireworks being sold at the community stand.
I realize this is the first year in a long time fireworks have been allowed in town. Minor details need to be ironed out but I hope the ordinance does not become too restrictive where residents are unable to enjoy the occasion.
Regardless, there was only one emergency room visit due to a minor fireworks injury. The sales tax revenue from the fireworks stand is not as significant as other retail businesses, but it sure didn't hurt.
People from other areas came to purchase fireworks at the Marion stand with a portion of the profit benefiting the Marion community through the MAC foundation.
Most importantly, it allowed residents to celebrate a tradition that had been denied for so long.
— SUSAN BERG
