Fireworks Display Cost

Typical costs:

• If legal in your locale, consumer fireworks usually cost $10-$300 for a simple assortment or $500-$1,000 or more for an elaborate presentation of fountains, spinners, cakes (aerial repeaters) and shells. The use of consumer fireworks is limited or banned in many areas, and that fireworks regulations vary significantly between states, counties, cities and even by neighborhood. For example, King County[2] in Washington charts the varying regulations in that area. The American Pyrotechnics Association provides a directory of state fireworks laws and safety tips for consumer fireworks. Always check with the local fire department, police department or city hall before setting off consumer fireworks.
• Indoor display fireworks with minimal smoke, debris or other fallout (and usable in tight outdoor spaces) set up by a certified technician can cost $800-$5,000 or more for short-duration (10 to 60 seconds) tabletop fountains in centerpieces or on floral columns, or lining a driveway or courtyard. For example, Illumination Fireworks[3] in Texas charges $1,500-$5,000 or more for a 10- to 30-second display of fountains designed for indoor use (price includes labor, insurance and fireworks; city permit and fees are extra).
• A professionally-staged outdoor aerial fireworks show for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, bar mitzvah or other event can cost $2,500-$10,000 or more, but averages about $3,000-$5,000 depending on the duration of the show, the number of large shells or special fireworks, if the display is set to music and the number of firing stations (to set off multiple fireworks simultaneously). For example, Austin Wedding Fireworks in Texas charges $3,545 for a five minute wedding display and $7,995 for its 10 minute Light the Sky, Baby! show with simultaneous displays at two different heights.
• A larger fireworks show for a sporting event, festival, Fourth of July or other event can cost $5,000-$100,000 or more, depending on the duration of the display and the type and number of fireworks. Entertainment Fireworks Inc.[4] in Washington estimates that a firework display at a sporting event can cost $5,000-$20,000 or more but averages $7,000-$10,000; a business grand opening fireworks show costs $5,000-$50,000 or more, with an average cost of $15,000 to $25,000; and a typical municipally-sponsored Fourth of July display can be $10,000-$50,000 with an average price tag of $25,000, although a few cost more than $100,000.

• A fireworks company representative will typically visit a new site to determine whether there is adequate space for the display and safety zones, and easy access for the crew and equipment. The fireworks company is typically responsible for obtaining needed permits, bringing in a crew and equipment, setting up and firing the display, and recovery and disposal of all unfired materials. The company may also be required to clean up of the site afterward, depending on the terms of the contract.
• The customer is typically responsible for planning crowd control, creating a secure safety zone around the firing site, and ensuring that no vehicles are parked where debris might fall.

• The costs for a fireworks display permit and fire department fees vary significantly by location, from free to $500 or more. Professional fireworks display companies typically obtain all needed permits; some companies include these costs in their price, while others will handle the arrangements but bill separately for the actual cost of the permit and related fees.

• It's important to plan ahead. Rozzi Fireworks in Ohio recommends booking a show 12 months in advance, while Entertainment Fireworks Inc.[5] in Washington estimates that small shows can be organized in 30 days or less, if the necessary local permits can be expedited.
• The venue site may have a list of local fireworks companies. If possible, get several estimates. Ask how many shows the company puts on each year, and request and check references from past customers. Verify that they have liability insurance and ask for copies of the technicians' state certification. Entertainment Fireworks Inc. in Washington outlines the steps for ordering a professional fireworks display[6] .

1.  www.atf.gov/explosives/how-to/fireworks-safety-and-security.html
2.  www.kingcounty.gov/property/FireMarshal/fireworks.aspx
3.  yourweddingfireworks.com/fireworks/
4.  www.pyrotech.com/reservedoc.htm
5.  www.pyrotech.com/reservedoc.htm
6.  www.pyrotech.com/reservedoc.htm

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