As 4th of July fireworks costs explode, expect shorter displays, says one insider
Some July 4th fireworks displays may be cut down by two or three minutes, James Baxter told 'Fox and Friends First'
Owner of Minnesota Pyrotechnics James Baxter on the increase in the cost of fireworks and how limited supply could affect large shows
Today's nationnwide inflation is impacting the fireworks industry as well, of course.
Celebratory explosives are seeing a major price hike ahead of the Fourth of July, with the overall cost across the industry spiking 35%, according to the American Pyrotechnic Association.
Minnesota Pyrotechnics owner James Baxter joined "Fox & Friends First" on Friday to explain that shipping costs alone have gone up almost 400% in some cases.
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"You’re also seeing a lack of [fireworks] coming into the country," he said.
"So, it’s causing most of the shortages" and affecting costs as well.
Spectators watch the 45th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display overlooking the Manhattan skyline at Gantry State Plaza in Queens, N.Y., on July 4, 2021. (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Fireworks sold in retail outlets should still be available, Baxter said — but from the professional back end, inventory is "lacking."
Baxter revealed that skyrocketing pricing will impact Independence Day celebrations across the country by shortening displays or causing cancellations of firework events altogether.
Minnesota Pyrotechnics owner James Baxter appeared on "Fox and Friends First" on July 1, 2022, to discuss today's fireworks details. (Fox News / Fox News)
"Some shows that have been shooting since, like, 1915, —they’re not able to get product for them," he said.
"They’re not able to find people to shoot their shows."
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"A lot of them have canceled here in Minnesota and across the country."
Spectators watch as fireworks explode overhead during the Fourth of July celebration at Pioneer Park, on July 4, 2013, in Prescott, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File / AP Newsroom)
Baxter explained that even though some shows will go on, displays won’t be as long as they were in the past.
Some fireworks displays could be cut down by a significant two to three minutes, he said.
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On top of cost, regulations on importing larger firework shells have caused "several issues" as well, Baxter added.