Reports: Fireworks sales up, violations down in Cape Girardeau

This July 4 weekend capped off a strong season for fireworks sales, though police reported fewer violations than they normally see over the holiday.

"It was great, one of our best years ever in one location," said Mary Ann Hoffman, co-owner of Hoffman Family Fireworks.

Hoffman said what seemed to sell best this year were fireworks priced between the relatively cheap and higher end varieties.

Sales came up from last year at several locations, she said.

Several Hoffmans managers reported noticing a lot more customers armed with notepads and calculators, doing "comparison shopping," trying to get the best value for their money during a tough economic year, Hoffman said.

Hoffmans has six area locations -- three in Cape Girardeau County, one in Scott County and vendors in Greenville and Advance, Mo.

Anticipating that consumers might be shopping more conservatively this year, the Hoffmans made sure to stock plenty of items under $10, but reported that the more costly 500 gram aerial fireworks sold well, too.

Hoffman said she thinks multiple families may be getting together and pooling money for the near-professional quality fireworks.

"I think the Fourth is very tied in with kids," Hoffman said. "It's such a kid holiday -- whether it's the kid still in you or you have children or grandchildren."

Hoffman said she thinks people are willing to splurge on fireworks over the July 4 holiday despite tighter budgets because of the tradition and patriotism inspired by the holiday.

"I think people just want a reason to celebrate," Hoffman said.

Scattered storms during the day Saturday may have kept fireworks violation down to a handful, less than in previous years, according to the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

On Saturday, three fireworks violations were reported in Cape Girardeau and 21 in Jackson.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

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