John Adams

By Kemper Bogle

Before John Adams signed the Declaration of Independence, he envisioned how Americans would celebrate their newfound freedom. On July 3, 1776, Adams wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail that he pictured a celebration with parades, games and most importantly, fireworks. On the one-year anniversary of the declaration, Congress gathered in Philadelphia for a firework show and commenced the tradition.

Fireworks remain a popular celebration on the Fourth of July. Americans keep the tradition alive by gathering at firework shows hosted at baseball fields, lakes and neighborhoods. The holiday festivities continue all across the United States. According to a report by the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks per year.

Many cities around the U.S. have adopted strict firework laws and some cities have banned them altogether. Like other cities, the city of Wichita has been debating on whether it needs stricter firework code. Some citizens have complained about the safety concerns and disruptiveness fireworks cause in weeks surrounding the holiday.

Fire is a major concern during the summer holiday. According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks start over 18 thousand fires per year. This can be especially harmful in dry areas. The NFPA also reported that U.S. hospital emergency rooms treat about 12 thousand fireworks injuries per year. Most of these injuries occur in minors.

The loud noises fireworks put off can disturb many people, especially veterans with PTSD. The fourth is also when the most pets become lost as the noise can make them uneasy.

“I hardly get any sleep at night because fireworks are being shot off all night long and my dogs freak out,” said Wichita resident, Jessica Davis.

Firework stands pop up all over as the Fourth of July approaches. For Wichita, this is as soon as June 27 and these stands may operate until July 5. Currently, Wichitans are able to shoot off fireworks from July 1 to 5 between the hours of 6 a.m. to midnight. However, some people continue to shoot their fireworks outside of these times, much to the dismay of other citizens.

The city has distinct guidelines of what fireworks are legal and illegal. The current ordinance states that the sparks of fireworks must be less than six feet. However, some individuals obtain illegal fireworks, which can be disruptive and create safety concerns. These fireworks have been deemed unsafe after many handlers encountered threatening accidents with the explosives.

In hopes to deter citizens from breaking the city’s firework ordinance, law enforcement gave individuals violating the ordinance citations resulting in a $250 fine. The city reported that 133 citations were issued.

“My kids really like lighting fireworks, so being able to do so is really convenient,” said Wichita resident Kate Mullen. “I do however agree the time restrictions and illegal fireworks needs to be better enforced.”

Recognizably, John Adams had no idea about the types of fireworks Americans are able to possess today. Although we will never know, he would likely be concerned by the safety and public concerns surrounding modern day fireworks. However, his vision of a large celebration involving parades, games and fireworks has surely been accomplished.