Backyard 4th of July celebrations in Ulster County became a bit brighter with the sales of sparkler devices beginning June 1st.  Vendors are currently getting certified to sell with the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control [http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/news/sparklingdevices.cfm] and obtaining proper vendor permits at the local municipal levels.  

Thanks to Legislator Richard Gerentine and the support of fellow Ulster County Legislators, Ulster County joined all the surrounding Counties to allow “sparkler devices” to be sold to those over 18 between June 1st through July 5th and December 26th to January 2nd of each calendar year.  

“Since our County partners across the region enacted this local law, it is important that Ulster County businesses be provided this new business opportunity,” stated Legislator Gerentine, the local law’s sponsor. “Ultimately, sparklers on the 4th of July is as American as apple pie.  Bringing the sales tax revenue back into our County, our region, and our State is a win-win for all.”

New York State defined “sparkling devices” as ground based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke.  The newly enacted State law limited the type, size and construction of sparkling devices and required that these devices be hand held or mounted on a base or spike and be limited in sizes that range from 1 to 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition.

Local Law #7 of 2015 passed the Ulster County Legislature on April 21, 2015 and without objection from the County Executive, was forwarded to the New York State Secretary of State for filing on May 21, 2015.  Vendors interested in selling sparklers in Ulster County are encouraged to visit the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control website [http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/news/sparklingdevices.cfm] to complete the certification application and visit the appropriate Town offices for appropriate vending permits.