By Kim Hunter
Sparklers, Roman candles, snakes, and ground spinners will soon find their way into the streets, lawns and driveways as the Fourth of July nears.
Families will be allowed to shoot fireworks beginning at 9 a.m., with an 11 p.m. curfew on July Fourth.
According to the City of Muskogee, Class “C” common fireworks such as sparklers, Roman candles, helicopters and fountains are the only legal fireworks that can be used in the city limits. Non-labeled fireworks and fireworks such as M-80s, quarter sticks and half sticks, are all banned and are illegal.
“Class “C” common fireworks can be stored or fired until July 15th in city limits, “said Kenna Terrell, a secretary in the City Clerk’s Office.
Fireworks stands outside the city limits opened Friday, including one operated by the newly-formed Okay Quarterback Club.
They have set up a stand at the Okay Flea Market.
Business has been slow so far, said Lisa Drain, one of the adults working at the stand Saturday.
The stand had three customers by noon Saturday, with each of them making purchases of $10 or less.
But Jamie Ellis, another of the sponsors, is optimistic things will pick up.
“We have 10 or 12 adults in our club and their families generally spend $100 to $200 for fireworks,” Ellis said. “And Okay is the kind of town that pulls together for this kind of thing.”
The monies raised will go toward purchasing new equipment and jerseys for the Mustangs football team and building the team a permanent field at the school, she said.
There are also safety tips available to prevent any fires or injuries. Some of those pertain to eye safety.
According to Dr. Jim Nelson, therapeutic optometrist, approximately 6,400 Americans are treated annually for fireworks-related injuries during the Fourth of July holiday period. In addition, almost 1,600 are treated for injuries to the eye. The fireworks that cause the most injuries are bottle rockets, firecrackers and sparklers.
“Every year, as many as 400 Americans lose sight in one or both eyes due to fireworks,” Nelson said.
Nelson also said children under 16 account for 60 percent of fireworks-related eye injuries and almost half of fireworks injuries happen to bystanders.
Muskogee Fire Marshal Toby Webb said there is another way to watch fireworks that poses no risk of injury.
“The best way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a display of fireworks in a city,” Webb said.
And there are a number of fireworks shows in and around Muskogee and nearby towns that will be going on July 3 and 4.
On July 3, Muskogee Parks and Recreation will host a free community fireworks show at Love-Hatbox Sport Complex. There will be music and fun things for everyone to do. First Baptist Church will supply inflatables for kids, and River Country Water park will stay open. The only thing to bring will be a lawn chair or blanket. Fireworks will start around 9:15 p.m.
“If you find a good parking space, you can sit on the hood of your car,” said Joel Everett, Muskogee Parks and Recreation special projects coordinator.
No concession will be available, but goodies are allowed. It’s going to be family entertainment for everyone.
On July 4, First Assembly of God Church will have its fireworks show starting at 5 p.m. Admission is free, and the only cost will be for concessions. The fireworks show won’t start until it’s dark, but there will be events leading up to the show.
This show will have a lot of new things for the kids. Robin Henderson, the pastor’s secretary, said there will be pony rides, water inflatables, inflatables, face painting, an illusionist and a Branson-type show.
“We have gone all out for the kids,” Henderson said. “There is something here for every age, and it’s cheap.”
If you don’t mind traveling out of city limits, Fort Gibson and Wagoner also will host fireworks shows on July Fourth.
Fort Gibson will have its show at the high school stadium. There will be a brief opening ceremony, a prayer and the singing of the National Anthem. The show will begin at 9:15 p.m. and is free. Stadium seating will be available, but no concession.
Fantastic 4th Celebration will take place in Wagoner at the football stadium. All is free to the public. Live music will be from 7 p.m. until the fireworks show at 9 p.m. Other festivities begin at 4 p.m., and a children’s parade will be at 6 p.m. There will be no charge for use of the city’s water park during the afternoon. Free swimming also will be available. Concession will consist of 25-cent hot dogs, pop and water.
Safety tips
• Never allow a child to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always read instructions and follow warnings.
• Before igniting, make sure other people are out of range of fireworks.
• Never relight any fireworks that have malfunctioned.
• Keep a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher around in case of a fire mishap.
• Only light one item at a time and move away from it quickly.
• Do not have any portion of the body directly over fireworks.
• Never carry fireworks in pockets or light fireworks in any container — no metal or glass.
• Never experiment or use homemade fireworks.
• Keep a first aid kit around for any type of burns.
Source: Muskogee
Fire Marshal Toby Webb
Fireworks show info
• Love-Hatbox: 684-6302.
• First Assembly of God: 682-9000.
• Fort Gibson: 478-4780.
• Wagoner: 485-3332.
Assistant City Editor Liz McMahan contributed to this report.
