No ‘Boom’ for you. Unless you drive to Millersport.

We kind of saw this one coming. Add one more high-profile cancellation due to the coronavirus as large public gatherings are a ways off from resuming. Late Thursday, NBC4 announced the annual ‘Red, White and Boom’ live fireworks event, scheduled for July 3rd will be cancelled.

‘Boom’ is dubbed the largest fireworks show in the Midwest that annually attracts over 400,000 viewers downtown, along the banks of the Scioto River.

Instead, NBC4 plans to air a four-night television event from Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4. For nearly four decades, NBC4 has broadcast Red, White & BOOM! to Central Ohioans.

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With the likely cancellations of local fireworks shows, lovers of patriotic pyrotechnic displays will have to resort to putting on their own backyard show. However, Ohio is one of those quirky states that allows the purchase of fireworks in state while prohibiting the use of them here. If you buy them in Ohio you have to promise to take them out of state. Which if you do that now, may require you to self-quarantine at home for 14 days when you return. Not a great option.

The only firework products permitted in Ohio for use are designated “trick and novelty” – such as smokes, sparklers, snaps, and snakes. You can often find packs of these items at local grocery and big box stores.

But if you were so inclined to ‘window shop’ for fireworks you are not legally allowed to light off in Ohio, the closest place (now open) is Phantom Fireworks of Kirkersville. It’s in Millersport, about a 30 minute drive down I-70E. As of today it is open by appointment only but they do expect to resume regular store hours beginning May 12 when retail businesses may re-open.

Under current law, Ohioans face a first-degree misdemeanor with up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for firing off fireworks. If you do decide to become an outlaw this Independence Day – just remember, safety first, kids.

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