Saint Paul Fireworks Displays

Happy Fourth of July!  To many residents of Saint Paul, celebrating the independence of our nation is a highlight of the summer.  This traditional holiday (and three day weekend!) means barbeques with friends, picnics with the kids, and family gatherings.  But let’s not forget the fireworks!   

Where can you see fireworks in St. Paul this year?  As usual, at the Taste of Minnesota!  This even started on July 3 and will run through July 6.  On night of the festival, fireworks will be launched at 10:20 p.m.!  There will also be live music, activities, and lots and lots of food from local vendors!  Admission is free!  Find out more about the Taste of Minnesota in this previous post! 

Now, back to the fireworks.  It’s unfortunate, but each year many people are injured or killed by consumer fireworks while celebrating. The Minneapolis Fire Department and surrounding Twin Cities communities would like to remind residents strive towards a responsible and safe Fourth of July weekend.  There are some obvious ones that you should already know: Don’t drink and drive, keep pets indoors, and watch out for pedestrians.  There are also some safety tips you can follow if you are lighting off fireworks this weekend.  Please keep these pointers in mind, and share them with your friends, to ensure that everyone has a safe 4th of July celebration.

• Read, understand and follow the instructions on each device prior to using.
• Use fireworks with close adult supervision.
• Choose a safe place to use fireworks. Fireworks should only be ignited outdoors and away from animals, buildings, storage tanks, brush or combustible materials.
• Anyone acting in an irresponsible manner or who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs should not handle or discharge fireworks.
• Keep fireworks away from small children and store them in a cool dry location away from sources of ignition (heat and flames). Fireworks should not be allowed to become wet and should not be used when dried after becoming wet.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or on your person.
• Lit cigarettes, cigars, pipes or open flames should be kept away from fireworks.
• Never ignite fireworks inside another container, such as inside a bottle or can.
• Eye protection is recommended for those using fireworks. Never throw fireworks or aim them at another person, animal or building.
• Only light one firework device at a time, then move away from the device quickly. Keep clear of any device that has been ignited, but has yet to go off.
• If a firework device has been ignited but fails to go off, stay clear of the device for an extended period of time to prevent injury due to delayed activation. Soak the device in water before handling it.
• Never place any part of your body, especially your head, over the firework device when lighting. Approach the item from the side and light it while keeping your body away from the item.
• Never relight malfunctioning fireworks. Report any defects back to the seller or the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Never experiment with fireworks, make your own fireworks, or alter fireworks in any manner (a strong federal prohibition exists for such activity).

Examples of items that are permitted include sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, novelty items like snakes, and party poppers. Explosive and aerial fireworks are prohibited for public sale, possession and use in the State of Minnesota. Prohibited fireworks include, but are not limited to, firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells.

If you would like to know about other fireworks displays in the Twin Cities metro area, please see this map provided by the Star Tribune!