Macon’s firework frenzy: A glimpse inside a firework shop before July 4

Step into Sky King Fireworks, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the store’s vast selection.

From handheld sparklers and Roman candles to ground spinners and large firework-producing mortars, there are rows and rows of pyrotechnic possibilities.

Not to worry, though, because store manager Jackie Lawrence has your back. 

This year’s Fourth of July marks the semiquincentennial — or 250th — anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and Macon’s celebration promises to be big and boisterous.

Lawrence and the store’s employees are determined to help every customer walk away with the supplies they need for an unforgettable holiday.

“I am going to make sure that I do the best I can do to make sure everybody has that experience,” she said. 

Around the country, Americans will celebrate with Revolutionary War reenactments, parades, cookouts and pool parties. But the biggest spectacles happen at night when crowds collectively turn their eyes to the sky to watch for the bursts of fireworks. 

As might be expected, Lawrence said, this is the busiest time of year for the shop. She’s seen an increase in demand because many people are planning big fireworks displays to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday.

One of those people is Don Conoly, who spent about $15,000 at Sky King on fireworks he plans to shoot off at Lake Sinclair. 

“It’s our biggest show ever,” he said. “The neighbors have been very generous and pitching in money. I’ve got a great firing crew lined up.”

Conoly and his crew plan to dazzle friends and neighbors with their fireworks display on Friday, just in case there’s rain and they need to reschedule. 

Lawrence feels blessed to be a part of a business that’s centered around celebrations. She started working at the store two years ago after losing her previous job because of health issues.

“The society we live in today can get kind of hectic sometimes with all the stuff that’s going on in the world,” she said. “If you can find a place — an unexpected place — where you can come, have an experience, feel good, be filled with joy and go home and pour it out to someone else, that’s my thing. Pour it out to someone else.”

At Sky King Fireworks, Lawrence said, her team takes safety seriously and asks customers where they plan to shoot the fireworks from, recommends proper lighting tools and provides boards for a flat surface. Intoxicated customers are turned away, she said.

According to the National Weather Service, Macon is no longer in a drought. Still, celebrants should exercise caution because of the abnormally dry conditions.  

Watching the sky light up with different shapes and colors is a fun tradition for many. But, animal advocates say, it’s also important to be mindful of pets that have a sensitivity to loud noises. There are ground fireworks to minimize that impact. 

C’son Johnson, enforcement assistant manager with Bibb County Animal Services, recommends that pets be placed in a secure environment away from the noise. Animals have heightened senses, and the loud pops of fireworks can be jarring.

“They think that this is World War III,” she said. “I’ve seen them try to escape, anything just to hide anywhere.”

Runaway pets sometimes end up at the shelter, Johnson said. Some are reunited with their owners while others are left unclaimed. 

According to Johnson, the shelter is always at full capacity. When pets are brought in due to their owner’s irresponsibility, it can put a burden on the facility and staff there. 

“We do the best we can,” she said. “If you ask me how that’s done, we all get real creative.”

To prevent your pet from getting lost during the holiday, Johnson strongly recommends coming up with a plan ahead of the day. Put them in a crate or an area they can’t get out of, she said. She also recommends that your pet wears a collar and is microchipped. Animal services offers microchipping services for free to Bibb County residents. 

If you’re planning your own fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day, keep in mind:

• In Macon-Bibb County, permissible hours on July 3 and 4 are from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. No fireworks can be used after midnight.
• Other than July 3 and 4, (as well as December 31 and January 1), fireworks are a prohibited noise violation between 9 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. 

To stay safe, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department has recommended that you:

• Wear safety goggles when lighting fireworks.
• Carefully read instructions and labels, and light fireworks in an open space away from trees and coverings.
• Don’t light explosive fireworks in your hand or stand directly over them.
• Don’t pick up and try to relight a firework if it doesn’t light.
• Douse spent fireworks in water when you’re finished.