Fireworks in Blackwell: What you need to know

As June slowly gives way to July, the serene sound of crickets singing in the night might be interrupted by the occasional snap and crackle of fireworks, as stands open up across Kay County in preparation for the July 4 weekend.

But before those wicks get lit, Blackwell Chief of Police Dewayne Wood wants to remind citizens that, until July 2, fireworks are not permitted within city limits.

Wood also hopes to clarify the most recently amended firework ordinance from summer 2020. “Even permissible fireworks aren’t allowed in city limits until July,” Wood said. “But on July 2 and 3, fireworks are allowed from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. July 4, they’re allowed from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. the morning of July 5.”

Firework stands are allowed to open June 22 through July 4, and December 31 as well as January 1.

“The City Council, under former Mayor Glenn Cox, clarified last year that only Class C fireworks are allowed to be sold, stored and used,” Wood said.

Class C fireworks include: cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, ground spinners, illuminating torches, wheels, two-inch or smaller black cats (or similar firecrackers) and “novelty items.”

In accordance with Blackwell’s firework ordinance – Ordinance 2020-17 – sellers are required to post a notice at their stands – and with the sale of fireworks – that outlines which fireworks are allowed.

Non-permissible fireworks include: aerial devices, mines, missile-type rockets, multiple tube devices, roman candles, shells, stick-type rockets, bottle rockets, chasers and firecrackers larger than two inches. That list also includes spleen splitters, whisker biscuits, honkey lighters, Hüsker Düs and don'ts, cherry bombs, nipsy dazers (with or without the scooter stick) and whistling kitty-chasers.

Fireworks are not to be sold to children under the age of 12, and no fireworks are allowed to be discharged on property owned or leased by the city or the city’s authorities without written approval.

July 4 falls on a Sunday this year, with Blackwell’s parade and fireworks display to take place that night.