While the sales tax figures are still being calculated, if the number and variety of locations throughout the County demonstrated an outcome, the economic impact of legalizing sparkling devices in Ulster County should be a nice boost.
The sparkling device sales from June 1st to July 5th were restricted to handheld sparklers, cylinder or square fountains that emit a shower of sparks, and novelties such as party poppers and snappers. What remained illegal to buy, sell or use in Ulster County were wire stick sparklers, bottle rockets, firecrackers, roman candles, spinners, and other aerial devices.
Keystone Firework tents popped up in Kingston and the Town of Ulster. Jack May, Tent Program Coordinator for Keystone noted, “Sales were generally strong and tents were very busy in Ulster County. New York interests were more in the individual smaller items such as sparklers and small fountains instead of the assortment packages.”
Mr. May applauded “the Ulster County Legislature for taking the initiative and allowing people in the County to celebrate just like those in the other 45 states.”
The County sales profit was not limited to the actual firework sales as tent managers worked with local rental and supply companies for tents and various supplies at the temporary sale locations. In addition, all property owners were compensated for providing real estate.
Despite concerns, fire department call outs during the 4th of July weekend appeared to be devoid of firework related injuries or fires in Ulster County. Jerry Bostocky, Vice President of Sales for the B.J. Alan Company, a distributor of Phantom Fireworks which opened a successful tent at the TruValue in Milton, attributed this to the “strict regulations put in place in New York State which ensured a hard core push on education of the consumer. With retailers passing out flyers demonstrating the proper disposal of fireworks and this being the first year in New York, people paid attention to the safety regulations. Oftentimes, people forget that a firework can rekindle and they should be placed not only in a metal container with water but also well away from homes or structures. With education, consumers are using products responsibly and sellers are selling only what and where they should be sold.”
“As expected, the legalizing of sparkling devices in Ulster County was an overwhelming success and I look forward to seeing the final sales taxes figures when they are available”, stated the Ulster County legislation sponsor, Legislator Richard Gerentine of Marlborough. “My colleagues expressed many concerns regarding the safety and I hope the actual results will put their minds at ease. That being said, I am thrilled the County’s economy will see a boost and hope in the future that even the County Executive will sign on to these simple economy generating initiatives.”
