By Evan Merrill
NKYTribune intern
Those red, white and blue fireworks displays in backyards this weekend could be more colorful than usual.
A fireworks distributor in Northern Kentucky had added some non-traditional colors to some of its packages.
Phantom Fireworks, the largest retail fireworks company in the United States, has recently expanded into a few states, including Kentucky with a location on Mall Road in Florence. And it has added some color to its products.
“There’s a lot more new colors. You’re seeing a lot more oranges, purples, pinks, blues. We do have some pink items and blue items. We can add some non-traditional colors to our fireworks repertoire,” Jerad LeBretton, the store manager, said.
It may not be time for the annual WEBN fireworks (held on Labor Day), but Northern Kentuckians still have plenty of fireworks options for the Fourth of July, thanks to companies such as Phantom Fireworks.
The store has several new and the same popular options that continue to thrill.
In some of their packages, such as the Grand Finale, Phantom will feature some of those non-traditional colors, for those seeking some variety.
One new piece, the “Popo Magnet”, is priced at $109.99 and LeBretton calls it “one of the better pieces I’ve seen come down the line in years.”
Another top-selling piece is the “Grand Finale”, priced at $179.99 (on the website), features over a dozen pieces and “gives you everything you need in one go.”
The most expensive package, “Grounds For Divorce Assortment”, for those looking to go “all out” this holiday, is priced at $1,499.99.
All of these pieces at Phantom are currently buy one, get one free, as long as the pieces are of the same price.
Phantom also significantly cheaper options such as “Fluorescent Purple” for $24.99. Although it doesn’t last as long as the others, it’s a much simpler option.
Despite Phantom doing the majority of its business during these seasonal holidays, the store is open year-round. For those seeking fireworks for holidays or events other than the Fourth of July, Phantom offers options.
“It definitely slows down in the offseason, but there’s certainly other opportunities with celebratory events, anniversaries, graduations, Christmas. I have people every year for NKU games, even Cincinnati Bengals games,” said LeBretton.
A more traditional outlet for fireworks is Vito’s on Taylor Mill Road in Covington, which boasts on its website that it has been selling fireworks for 50 years. But it also will be putting on firework shows in Union (Friday), Independence (Saturday), Butler (Sunday) and at the Ryland Heights Country Club (Monday).
One prevalent concern around firework is safety. The number of accidents has been decreasing, according to LeBretton.
“The actual injuries and accidents with fireworks in proportional use has dropped significantly. The fireworks industry as a whole has a surprisingly good safety record, believe it or not,” LeBretton said. “More people are using fireworks every year, and yet there’s (fewer) accidents and injuries every year. That’s something we’re really proud of.”
Precautionary steps still should be taken: Watch for weather conditions and factors, such as dryness, elevation, wind, among others.
For those with further concerns about safety, Phantom has videos on how to handle fireworks, as well as pamphlets in the store.
The Phantom store at 8125 Mall Road is open 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week. More information, more products, and prices can be found at the website.