For the first time in decades, Garden
City residents will be able to legally enjoy aerial fireworks this
Fourth of July.
The city has banned the sale and use of fireworks that shoot more
than 6 feet into the air since at least 1989.
City commissioners Tuesday voted to lift the ban from July 3 to
5. Residents will be able to shoot off fireworks from 10:30 a.m. to
10:30 p.m. on those days. Finney County commissioners earlier this
month voted to allow fireworks from June 27 to July 5.
Fire Chief Allen Shelton says the ban on aerial fireworks had
been difficult to enforce. He says people often bought aerial
fireworks outside the county and shot them off inside the county.
Shelton said he is somewhat concerned the fireworks might cause
fires because dry weather conditions this summer.
