Fireworks Retailers Extending Hours for New Year’s Eve Rush

Wacky Wayne's in North Augusta will keep its doors open late on Dec. 30 and 31. Why? The shop expects a flood of shoppers hunting for fireworks before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's.

"We have been stocking and getting ready for customers, and we have way more variety this year than we ever have had," said Skip Playford, per The Post and Courier. Traffic spiked in the week before Christmas.

July Fourth and New Year's? Those are the peak seasons for fireworks sales. The final two days of December mean earlier openings and later closings at Wacky Wayne's.

"This is for the big crowds that are coming and people who want to come at the last minute," said Playford. "You can come here late and still buy fireworks."

What's flying off the shelves? Smoke-style fireworks, multi-shot displays, artillery shells, and mixed packs. Some customers want individual pieces while others grab pre-made bundles.

Playford offered tips on staying safe when lighting fireworks. Read instructions before you strike a match. Put fireworks on the ground instead of gripping them in your hand. Keep water or sand close by in case flames get out of control. Never stand over a firework once the fuse is lit, and watch children at all times. Sparklers are the only kind meant to be held.

North Augusta bans possession, sale, storage, transport, or use of fireworks, other than Class C "common fireworks," within 100 feet of a gasoline tank, school, church, athletic field, public facility, or near a passenger in a moving vehicle. In the city of Aiken, fireworks are illegal within city limits.