Fireworks sales not booming as Utah officials call for residents to forgo personal shows this summer

SALT LAKE CITY– Fireworks vendors are expecting sales to be quite bad since so many Utah officials are encouraging  people to skip personal shows this summer.

Governor Spencer Cox is calling on Utahns to wait until New Year’s to launch their fireworks. But, some fireworks vendors say that could pose a problem considering they might not be available in December.

Fireworks Frenzy owner Brian Nelson said it could be a bad year for firework revenue. “It’s definitely got a lot of people second guessing their holiday plans,” noted Nelson. He says a lot of people are either not buying them, or they’re waiting. “I think a lot of people are making the decision to either buy less, or as the Governor mentioned, possibly wait it out and do a fireworks celebration for New Year’s.”

While you may have to wait until December to light them, Nelson says you may not be able to purchase fireworks later. The reason why is “the sales season for New Year’s is only a couple of days long,” Nelson added.   

Not only is the firework sales season shorter in December, it takes a lot of work and money just to set up fireworks stands.  “In order to go out and invest in your business, to set up a tent and sit out in the cold and try to sell fireworks, its just not feasible for the vendors to do that,” he explained.   

It’s too soon to know how bad July sales will be for Utah fireworks vendors, but they are certain it will be a down year.

Related:

• Utah firework restrictions and bans currently in place

• Salt Lake County showcases interactive map for firework bans