Fireworks: Safe Tips and Where to Watch

What’s poppin’ my Doggo friends? You guessed it: FIREWORKS! I, Bradi Bear, am here to let you in the know on all things Arkansas and fireworks. First things first…

WHERE TO WATCH: (they don’t call me a watchdog for nothing)

Whether you are planning on lighting your own fireworks on the fourth, watching a show, or BOTH, Arkansas has plenty of options for you!

• Beebe 4^th of July Extravaganza: On June 30^th over Beebe Ballpark, this free event starts at 5:30 and includes water slides, live music, and food.
• Annual Red, White and Blue Festival: On June 30^th held on the ASUMH Campus in Mountain Home. Fireworks will start at 9:30!
• Sparks in the Park: On June 30^th in Texarkana at Bobby Ferguson Park, this all-day event will start at 4:00 with vendors, kids games and contests, and finish off with a 9:30 fireworks show.
• Diamond City Annual Fireworks Display: On July 3^rd starting at 9:15, the show will be displayed over Bull Shoals Lake in Northwest Arkansas for you to watch from land or boat!
• 32^nd Annual Fireworks Extravaganza: On July 3^rd over Greers Ferry Lake, the show will start at dark!
• An Evening at Orchard Park: Orchard Park in Bentonville will open at 7:00 and begin the show at 9:30 on July 4th.
• 4^th of July Fireworks: Shout out to Taylor King’s Arkadelphia office! This show is displayed over DeGray Lake at dark!
• 2018 Mayor’s 4^th of July Celebration: This eventful 4^th of July starts at noon in Fort Smith with an Arkansas Valley Mustang Club Car Show. Live music continues at 7:00 and finishes off with a firework show at 9:30.
• Independence Day Fireworks: This show in Hot Springs can be seen from various locations around Lake Hamilton.
• Annual Pops on the River: The River Market in Little Rock offers entertainment, food, and activities starting at 3:00 and continuing until the 9:30 show.
• July 4^th Fireworks Spectacular: Gates will open on July 4^th at 6:00 at the Walmart AMP in Rogers for a night of entertainment and fireworks.

Planning on creating your own show? Be sure to read and remember these Bradi Bear Safety Suggestions. Ok, they’re more than just suggestions…the following are Arkansas fireworks laws!

1. The only permitted fireworks to use are Class C: Roman Candles, skyrockets, helicopter rockets, cylindrical and cone fountains, wheels, torches, colored fire, dipped sticks, mine and shells, firecrackers with soft casings…seems like PLENTY to choose from to me.
2. Fireworks can ONLY be sold from June 20-July 10 and December 10-January 5.
3. You must be 12 years old to purchase fireworks unless accompanied by an adult.
4. Fireworks are illegal in many town’s city limits. Each city is able to regulate fireworks as they wish, so check with your local authorities before you light the fuse…or stick to the professional displays.
5. READ THE DIRECTIONS! Err on the side of caution, and don’t assume you already know how a firework should or will operate.
6. Never allow children to be around fireworks unsupervised.
7. Light one firework at a time.

Y’all know I love a good celebration, so it may come as a surprise to you that fireworks aren’t EXACTLY my favorite things in Arkansas. They’re a little too loud for my liking! Remember your animal friends like me prefer to be in the safety of their kennel or another comfortable, quiet place. Don’t forget to take care of your pets if you plan on celebrating with or near KABOOMS on this wonderful holiday!