Cue the sparklers: Fourth of July events and where to get fireworks in Abilene

It is that time of year again to light up the sky with Fourth of July fireworks.

Sale of fireworks in Texas for the upcoming holiday began Monday and ends at midnight July 4.

Taylor County does not have a burn ban in place for the Fourth of July. However, the nearby counties of Callahan, Shackelford, Fisher and Coke have instated burn bans which may affect fireworks use.

In a Taylor County alert sent out June 5, officials informed the public of the possible violations for misuse of fireworks and encouraged caution.

Residents may be charged with a class C misdemeanor and a $500 fine if fireworks are used on a Taylor County road or within the city limits of Abilene.

What's up with Big Country fireworks? One county enacts burn ban, zoo nixes fireworks show

July Fourth events

Lots of events are taking place throughout the upcoming weeks to celebrate America. Check out the list below:

Clyde's 17th annual Festival by the Lake on Friday from 5-11 p.m. and June 29 from 2-11 p.m. Expect a fireworks show both nights with a BBQ cook-off, cornhole tournament, swimming, camping, funnel cakes and live music. Event will be at Clyde Lake, 7681 FM 3217.

Freedom Celebration Cake Walk with the Abilene Parks and Recreation Department at 10 a.m. July 3 at Rose Park Senior Center, 2625 South Seventh St.

WesTex Connect's 25th annual Fireworks Spectacular at Hugh Sandifer Stadium at Wylie High School, 4334 Antilley Road, on July 3. Ticket purchase is required to attend. Gates open at 6 p.m. and events start at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m.

Salute to America and the Band's 48th Year Concert by the Abilene Community Band on Thursday, July 4 at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St. The performance starts at 7 p.m. and refreshments will be served.

Fourth of July Parade in Buffalo Gap's Old Settlers Grounds, 449 Vine St., on July 4. Parade lineup starts at 9 a.m. and the parade begins at 10 a.m.

Red, White, Blue Bingo with the Abilene Parks and Recreation Department on July 5 at 9:30 a.m. at Rose Park Senior Center, 2625 South Seventh St.

Red, White & Vroom Party on the Patio at Kent's Harley-Davidson, 3106 South Clack St., on July 5 starting at 6 p.m.

Stars and Stripes Splash Party at the YMCA of Abilene, 3125 South 32nd St., on July 6 from 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets are required to attend.

Did we leave out your Fourth of July event in Taylor County or nearby? Email Lani Sneed at LPieper@gannett.com.

Where to buy fireworks

Here are some local stands and warehouses around Abilene where you can grab fireworks for your celebration.

BoomBah Fireworks, 156 FM 2404. On Facebook . 325-660-0896.

Alamo Fireworks Megastore, 5669 E. Highway 80. 210-667-1106.

Pyro Fireworks, 992 FM 2404. Also known as Pardee Fireworks. On Facebook . 325-280-5840.

Bad Boyz Fireworks, 5724 E. Interstate 20. On Facebook . 325-650-0098.

TNT Fireworks — six locations:

• 5801 U.S. Highway 83.
• 150 U.S. Highway 83.
• 8204 Buffalo Gap Road. On Facebook . 325-660-1357.
• 8212 Buffalo Gap Road.
• 6636 U.S. Highway 277.
• 2996 Texas Highway 351.

Mr. W Fireworks — three locations:

• 2300 Texas Highway 351.
• 6634 U.S. Highway 277 S.
• 5673 E. Highway 80.

Did we leave out your fireworks stand in Taylor County or nearby? Email Lani Sneed at LPieper@gannett.com.

Fireworks safety tips

In a 2023 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, an upward trend in fireworks-related deaths and injuries associated with misuse and malfunction have been recorded in past years.

Of the estimated 9,700 injuries treated in 2023, teenagers had the highest rate of emergency department-treated injuries, and children ages 5 to 9 had the second highest rate.

To keep everyone safe this Fourth of July, follow these safety tips from the Texas Department of Insurance and CPSC:

• Purchase fireworks labeled for consumer use and from an established retailer.
• Read and follow label instructions.
• Always have an adult present.
• Never allow children to handle, play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
• Only ignite fireworks outdoors in cleared areas away from houses, buildings, dry leave and other flammable materials.
• Do not light fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Keep water or a garden hose on hand in case of fire or mishap.
• Never experiment or attempt to make homemade fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time and move a safe distance away quickly.
• Never reignite malfunctioning fireworks and soak them in water before throwing away.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Do not point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Do not carry them in your pocket.
• Do not shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Wear eye protection when shooting fireworks.
• After shooting fireworks, to prevent a trash fire soak them in water before discarding.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Cue the sparklers: Fourth of July events and where to get fireworks in Abilene