Want to (safely) celebrate July 4 in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Chester? Here’s how you can
The coronavirus pandemic has stifled many annual American rituals.
But it hasn’t seemed to hurt fireworks sales.
Doug Cianfrocca, who runs three stores including Area 51 Fireworks in Fort Mill, said his stores’ sales have been “extremely robust” this year. He also said that with many of the large, town-sanctioned firework shows being canceled due to COVID-19, customers have resorted to purchasing their own fireworks.
“It’s been a very robust year in fireworks,” Cianfrocca said. “I got a good staff, good management and great fireworks.”
Area 51 has sold fireworks just south of the Carolinas border for the past 11 years, Cianfrocca said. He also has stores in New Hampshire and Nevada.
“People were sequestered for five months, weren’t able to get out,” Cianfrocca said. “And now, a lot of the firework shows have been canceled. There’s no Carowinds show. There’s no state shows, no national shows. …
“People have been cooped up, and they want to do something. And this is a way to social distance appropriately, and at the same time have a good time, have a barbecue and see friends. It shows in the public response.”
Area 51 is one of many places you can purchase fireworks in the Tri-County area. Other licensed fireworks stores include Red Rockets in Fort Mill, Fireworks Supermarket in Fort Mill, Flashes Fireworks in Rock Hill and many others.
Before purchasing fireworks, it’s important to know how to use them responsibly.
The American Pyrotechnics Association offers several safety tips on its website, including but not limited to the following:
Always have a sober adult in charge and never give fireworks to children.
Only buy legal consumer fireworks from a licensed store, stand or tent.
Keep spectators at a safe distance.
Never carry a firework in your pocket or shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container.
Always wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks.
Light only one firework at a time, and never approach or reignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time. Also be sure to have a working garden hose or bucket of water handy.
When finished allow used fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes, submerge in water, drain, place in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered trash can.
Outside of putting on your own fireworks display, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday in the Tri-County area.
Here’s what you need to know.
Events in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Chester
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issued a release Tuesday that ultimately recommends the public celebrate this July 4 holiday at home due to the growing threat of coronavirus.
However, several events in The Herald’s coverage area are set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Virtual celebrations: The Town of Fort Mill is hosting fun, virtual contests in the days leading up to July 4, including the town’s National Anthem contest, Patriotic Bingo and Patriotic Song Trivia. In Rock Hill, a virtual “Red, White and Boom” week of festivities also is planned.
City of Tega Cay July 4 celebration: Tega Cay will host its annual land parade, a golf tournament and fireworks at night on Saturday. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. at 7725 Tega Cay Drive. Local officials and law enforcement are preparing for a larger-than-usual crowd because neighboring municipalities have largely canceled mass July 4 gatherings.
Baxter Village Fourth of July Parade: The Baxter Village July 4th Parade has been canceled as a public event, amid COVID-19 social distancing precautions. It will be presented only in front of Baxter homes, not available for public audiences, and only Baxter residents and businesses can participate in the parade. There will be no public spaces for viewing the parade.
The parade route has been expanded to wind throughout the neighborhood for extra social distancing, and will only parade in front of private residences, allowing Baxter families to view it safely from their sidewalks and porches.
Rock Hill Jamboree and Fireworks: 742 North will serve hot dogs, hamburgers and other foods on July 4, ending the night at sunset with a fireworks display. Food will be served at 6 p.m. at 742 North Anderson Road in Rock Hill, and fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
Chester’s “Red White and Boom” fireworks show: The “Red White and Boom” fireworks show will take place at the old fairgrounds in Chester, S.C. on July 2. Gates will open at 8 p.m. at Joe Collins Stadium (100 Forest Avenue). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fireworks will be viewed from your car to ensure social distancing, an event flier says.
For more information on many of these events, visit the Visit York County website.
This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 8:28 AM.
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