From the very first Independence Day celebration in 1777, fireworks have been a major piece of America’s July 4 traditions, symbolizing the birth of a new nation with a dazzling show of light and sound. The practice traces back to Philadelphia’s celebration of the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, when fireworks lit up the sky along with bonfires, bells, and patriotic music. Founding Father John Adams himself envisioned fireworks as part of the festivities, writing in a letter that the day “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade … bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.” 

The bright fireworks symbolized the fight for freedom and the spirit of the Revolution. Over time, this tradition spread across the country, with towns big and small using fireworks to celebrate America’s birthday with excitement and pride – a tradition that still brings people together every July 4.

History.com states fireworks aren’t just an American tradition. The Chinese use fireworks to celebrate the most important events in life – a birth, a wedding, a death, holidays, and coronations. The use of fireworks spread to Europe eventually – first to celebrate military victories and later in public celebrations and religious ceremonies.

But – fireworks must be a young man’s game. We were in Wichita Tuesday night to watch the last Little League game of the summer for my grandson. After the game, we drove back to west Wichita to pick up our granddog that we will be watching for a week. When we pulled into their driveway, there were fireballs and explosions all across the sky. It wasn’t yet Independence Day. It was only July 1. It stressed me out.

We have been to July 4 celebrations in residential areas of Wichita and Goddard many times. I’m amazed by the amount of artillery firepower every house in the neighborhood has in their possession. The neighborhood basically says “We are shooting stuff off on the street. Drive your vehicle through here at your own risk.” Very few do.

I’m not sure when my dislike for fireworks actually began. It could have been when I was 11 and my best friend dropped an ash off his punk into the box of 10,000 Black Cats he had meticulously separated into singles. His day long plans went up in a bang that maybe lasted a minute.

Maybe it was the time I held the firecracker too long. When I cocked my arm to throw it, it blew up in my hand and beside my ear. That fingertip still aches in the winter and I don’t hear much now (I always blamed my lack of hearing on KISS concerts and loud equipment). Or maybe it was the bottle rocket fights we had until someone got burned on the cheek.

Do people still flush M-80s down public toilets?

I shouldn’t blame the fireworks. These are all prime examples of operator error. This is why gun support lobbyists say it’s not the guns that kill people – it’s the people shooting the guns.

My kids were pretty safe when it came to firecrackers and fireworks. They both liked to blow up Hot Wheels, plastic models they spent hours building, and ant hills. My experiences taught them to be safe. And now, I watch as their kids are blowing things up. Yes. It stresses me out.

I heard Kansas laws had changed so I Googled it. Kansas recently passed Senate Bill 199, signed into law on April 8, 2025, which makes significant changes to fireworks sales:

• Until now, fireworks were only available for a 9-day window in late June and early July. Under the new law, seasonal fireworks retailers can now sell for 18 days, specifically from June 20 through July 7 instead of the previous June 27–July 5 range.

• Retailers in permanent structures (e.g., storefronts or permanent stands) can now apply to operate year-round, provided they register with the State Fire Marshal.

• Local governments (cities and counties) still retain full control to regulate or ban the use, sale, or discharge of fireworks within their jurisdictions. Local rules still govern where and when you can actually light them off.

My biggest concern from fireworks being shot off in the cities is what effect they have on the pets. July 4 is the biggest day for dogs escaping from their yards because of the fireworks going off around them. We actually just purchased a “Thunder Vest” for our Border Collie because her anxiety pills don’t do the job. 

Don’t think for a second I’m advocating fireworks prohibition. That just isn’t true. I’m advocating for neighbors being courteous to others, respect those around them and watch your kids so they don’t accidentally set someone’s roof on fire or blow off a finger.

Fireworks celebrations definitely have a place in America. Obviously Independence Day is the main day. Other days of celebration should be New Year’s Eve, the Chiefs Super Bowl celebration, Royals World Series celebration, Wichita State Final Four appearances — you know, important dates.

So go celebrate with family and friends and have a great and safe time. But before you light up a fountain, ground spinner, Screaming Mimi, Roman candle or artillery shell, just remember you’re in small-town Kansas. Some of us have animals and some of us have to work in the morning.

 — Keith Lippoldt