Just In Time For The 4th: Fireworks Shortage Coming To Bismarck?

Good Lord!  What could possibly be next?  Toilet paper, hot dogs, and now fireworks?  According to an article on CBS Minnesota, the pandemic could blow up your backyard fireworks plans.

Last summer, of course it was tough to find a city who actually had a fireworks show, thanks to COVID-19.  Supplies were a little tight last year, because so many people had bigger backyard celebrations.  Now, we can thank our friends in China again, for a shutdown in the production of fireworks, that is expected to cause issues across the county.  According to the article, the products that will most likely be in short supply are novelty packs, the fountains and artillery shells.  Basically all my favorites.  You will likely be paying more for fireworks this year as well.  Remember, what we learned in economics back in high school?  The law of supply and demand?  Yep, that's what we got going on now.  It's like the pandemic that never ends. There's always some sort of money in the wrench.

I spoke with a vendor from a fireworks stand here in Bismarck, who didn't want to be identified, and confirmed they are indeed having issues getting fireworks this year.  "Expect to pay more at the stands" is what he told me.   Other vendors I spoke with across Bismarck Mandan said you can expect a 10 to 20 percent increase in prices of your favorite fireworks.  Another factor in the price increase, the cost of shipping has nearly doubled over the last year.