Americans celebrate their freedom with patriotism, pyrotechnics and patrioticism. However, the sky will be still in many cities this July 4.
Salt Lake City cancelled its fireworks celebrations because of drought and wildfire fears. Sacramento, California, and Minneapolis couldn’t find enough workers. Due to delays in shipping, Phoenix was unable to receive fireworks.
According to Steve Pelkey, president of American Pyrotechnics Association, only 75% of fireworks orders were fulfilled despite “huge demand”.
Pelkey stated that the West Coast was probably the hardest hit because companies that rely on the Port of L.A. have been waiting for inventory for two, three, or four months.” Pelkey spoke to CBS News.
Pyro Spectaculars was nearly shut down by Jim Souza’s fifth-generation family business, during two years of pandemic lockdowns that saw shows cancelled and shows cancelled. His fireworks only made it to the U.S. this year.
Souza stated to CBS News that they should have arrived in April and that they only just arrived. “Ninety per cent of fireworks come from China, and we were really relying upon the last few containers that got us here.”
This holiday, some cities will illuminate the night sky using drones or laser beams. But organizers don’t care if it’s fireworks, they want the viewers to enjoy the show.
Souza stated, “Come together with your family and friends, just enjoy, and look up to the sky.” “I’ll take care of the rest.”
