Fireworks stands pop up along highways

The colorful tents popping up along highways in Franklin County can mean only one thing — the Fourth of July is near.

Operators of several fireworks stands have set up their tents, but most have yet to fill them or begin selling.

Troy Lang, Olathe, operator of J.C. Freedom Fireworks, 2706 Kingman Road, said he’ll start selling today.

“Usually the second, third and Fourth [of July] are the busiest days,” he said.

Lang said he’s sold in the Ottawa area for about five years, though the company was here about three years before that.

He said he works with his four sons, ages 16, 15, 12 and 8.

“They get tired pretty quick,” he said, “but they like it.”

As of Thursday morning, 11 county permits have been issued for fireworks stands in Franklin County.

Sales cannot exceed a period of 14 days, Larry Walrod, county planning director, said.

He said operators must have a temporary-use permit to sell, have authorization from the property owner and provide a certain amount of off-street parking.

Fireworks cannot be sold or set off within Ottawa city limits. Stands in the urban growth area, an area roughly a mile beyond the city limits, are regulated by the county.

In Wellsville, fireworks can be sold July 3 and July 4 within city limits, and no permits are needed, an employee at City Hall said.

Fireworks can be set off July 3 and 4, but they must be at least one block away from the city’s business district.

In Pomona, children and adults can set off fireworks from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through July 5 within city limits, except for July 4, when they can be set off from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Fireworks cannot be sold within Pomona city limits.

Rules for other cities in Franklin County weren’t immediately available.

Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.