The city of Parsons is considering allowing fireworks sales for three additional days this year.
But that may not extend the time for shooting fireworks, which now is from June 30 to July 4. But city commissioners realized during a discussion of the topic that if fireworks were sold three days earlier that they would be shot off during that time.
The change comes from a state law that allows fireworks sales for seasonal retailers from June 20 to July 7 in Kansas. Fireworks can be sold year-round in Kansas, but must be registered with the Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office and have safety features in the building, such as a sprinkler system.
The owners of Jake’s Fireworks requested an extension of the sales time from the city commission. But the requested sales window would be June 27 to July 4.
Some commissioners expressed concerns about the impact on pets and others who do not like the week-long period for discharging fireworks.
Commissioners didn’t act on the request on Monday. An ordinance will be brought before the commission at a future meeting.
See CITY, Page 3.
In other matters in recent meetings, the commission: — Discussed the downtown renovation project, which will modify parking spaces on Main Street, including changing the angle of parking from 45 to 33 degrees. Other parking options would eliminate about 18 parking spaces.
— Approved the use of Forest Park on the north side as a common consumption area for events in the evening of Katy Days on May 23 and 24. The beer garden, however, would occupy a similar footprint as in years past.
— Agreed that Always Tomorrow Productions could have access to Forest Park and the areas around the Seaton Family Pavilion for an Independence Day weekend event on July 5. The event will include a beer garden, DJs and the Bowline Brothers band, performing from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and 9 to 10:30 p.m. Security has been hired to monitor alcohol sales and other issues. Vendors will be on site as well, including Outsider’s Tacos and More.
