As we approach the 4th of July, get ready to see pop-up tents that claim to be selling "Fireworks".  They're not.  The technical term is 'sparkling devices' and for the record, they're not the big explosives that people in our neighboring states are able to legally sell.  With that being said, you may still purchase some safer, less volatile alternatives to help make your 4th a little more exciting starting on June 20th.

According to the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Sparkling Devices are "ground based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke. The law limits the type, size and construction of Sparkling Devices and requires that these devices must be hand held or mounted on a base or spike and be limited in sizes that range from 1 to 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition."

New York State law also states that "sales of Sparkling Devices by certified temporary stands or tents can only occur from June 20th to July 5th and December 26th to January 1st."

Outlawed for sale and use in Schenectady County, there are a number of places throughout the Capital Region where these sparkling devices can be bought and sold starting on June 20th.

 

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