Fireworks stands gear up for New Year’s

HOUSTON — It’s a tradition this time of year for numerous Alaska families.

After the Christmas tree comes down, it’s time to head up to Houston to grab some pyrotechnic party favors for New Year’s.

“We’re open and we’re selling and we’re getting ready for the big weekend,” said Gorilla Fireworks manager Sam Parsons. “Busiest is probably the two or three days leading up to New Year’s Eve.”

If you’re not the type to stand on tradition and have become tired of the same old explosives, maybe you shouldn’t be. Parsons went all the way to China to pick out a new line for Alaska.

“It’s really high-quality, nice-looking stuff,” she said.

To find the new stuff, look for names like Power Zone, Vertical Limit, Unleash the Power or Weapon of Choice. It’s probably just best to go up there and look at them. Talking to Parsons, it can get pretty technical as she describes one item as a “multi-shot cake” and another as a “49-shot, angled cake.”

To get a new line like that is a pretty big deal. Gorilla doesn’t do that often, she said, and the new stuff hasn’t pushed the old favorites off the shelves.

“There’s ones like Black Cat and TNT that we’ve had forever,” Parsons said.

So what would be her advice for responsible revelry?

“First and foremost there should always be a sober responsible adult in supervision,” Parsons said. “Other than that — following the instructions that come with the fireworks, doing them in a safe location and just being aware that these aren’t toy. They’re not toys and they’re not really for children.”

What about those little smoldering incense-like sticks, the punks?

“I think that’s a great way to save your lighter and to save your fingers. I use punks all of the time,” Parsons said. “We give them with every purchase. They’re free.”

Alaskans are kind of in a weird spot when it comes to fireworks. On Fourth of July, it’s not dark for very long and fireworks displays can often be more thunder than lightning. On New Year’s, it’s much darker, but also very cold.

That conundrum isn’t lost on Parsons or her staff, and they’ve been selling fireworks in unheated shacks all week.

“Even though it’s cold you can see the joy on people’s faces,” she said. “You get over the cold when you’re bundled up and warm and you see how much fun people are going to have with these.”

But even that part of the storied Houston fireworks stands could be changing soon. Parsons said there are plans in the works to construct a permanent structure with walls and heat. Nobody’s broken ground yet, but construction could start as early as the spring.

“It’ll definitely change the feel. Still getting the people their fireworks just maybe in a little bit warmer environment,” she said.

Fireworks Rules

People can set off fireworks on private property with permission of the landowner from 6 p.m. and 1 a.m., New Year’s Eve everywhere in the Mat-Su Borough, including the cities of Palmer and Wasilla.

A few exceptions:

• The city of Palmer’s amnesty window starts at 9 p.m. rather than 6 p.m.

• Fireworks are banned from near (“near” meaning 250 feet in Palmer and Wasilla and 1,250 in the unincorporated areas) health care facilities, assisted living homes, libraries, schools or churches.

• They have to be kept 500 feet from a gas station or other places “where flammable liquids or gases are stored.”

• You can’t shoot them off inside of, or aimed outside from inside of, a structure or vehicle.

• The city of Wasilla also bans fireworks within 50 feet of waterways or bodies of water in city limits.

• The city of Houston allows fireworks year-round, but maintains the caveat that they must be on private land with the landowner’s permission.

• Penalties for violations carry up to a $500 fine.

Contact reporter Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.

City of Wasilla New Year’s Eve Fireworks display is at 8 p.m., Dec. 31 at Wonderland Park. For more information, contact 376-1299 or visit wasillachamber.org.