Warwick, RI – Pop-up fireworks vendors have raised tents across the city, and local shops have put up signs advertising pyrotechnic pleasures for the people.
Ron Ruzzo and Dennis Barnes were manning tables full of fireworks displays near 685 Airport Road under D&R Fireworks’ tent. Ruzzo and Barnes, a Warwick resident, own the company with their partner, Ryan Choiniere.
Barnes said if the state legalizes flying fireworks next year, the company will be looking for a permanent spot, hopefully in Warwick, or failing that, on the state line in Connecticut or Massachusetts.
But they’ve still got this year to take care of. Russo said the popular items change each pretty quickly.
“Every day there’s something new,” he said.
One thing that sets them apart: A big sign on their tent offering members of the military a $15 percent discount.
The story was the same at another local fireworks vendor, Three Finger Eddie’s, near 1500 Post Road just past the Rte. 37 ramp.
“It’s kind of steady,” said co-owner Jim Casey, a Warwick Neck resident. When asked what’s selling lately, “Everything,” Casey said.
A little further south at 1644 Post Road, Tony’s Fireworks, also owned locally, was open for business.
Phantom Fireworks has a number of tents open throughout the city, including one in the Ann & Hope plaza on Post Road and Bald Hill Road.
At the Post Road location, Sheri Paulhus of Scituate and Jennifer Bailey of West Warwick were handling customers under their tent’s shade.
Paulhus said their big sellers are the fountains, which set off in a fountain-like effect. The most popular, the Komodo 3,000, lasts for five minutes, Paulhus said. They had three left by mid-afternoon Monday. Sparklers and snaps – paper wrapped chemicals and sand that let off a loud firecracker sound when thrown to the ground – are very popular with the kids, she said.
The City’s Fireworks display, scheduled for Thursday night for spectators at the Oakland Beach seawall or Warwick City Park, promises temperatures in the low 80s, but a 50 percent chance of showers, according to the National Weather Service. The rain date is Saturday, July 5, which is forecast for partly sunny skies and a high of 79. Residents can call 401-738-2000 to check on the status of the display.
For the Fourth of July, there’s a 60 percent chance of showers with the possibility of a thunderstorm, according to the NWS.
Where to find legal fireworks in Warwick:
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Phantom Fireworks and TNT Fireworks are two of the larger distributors of Rhode Island-legal fireworks, meaning they don’t go airborne.
Dollar Tree, Target, and Sam’s Club are among the stores selling TNT fireworks locally. TNT also lists a fireworks stand at 1301 Post Road.
Phantom has fireworks sales spots set up at East Winds, 4619 Post Road; Firestone Plaza, 1689 Post Road; and Nick’s Automotive, 921 Bald Hill Road.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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