ABOVE: In preparation for the Fourth of July, Kurt Unke browses the generous collection of fireworks (including sparklers, fountains, assortment packs and more) at the Fireworks Fundraiser shop on Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of Walmart Supercenter in Fairmont, hosted by Martin Luther High School in Northrop. Approximately 60 students in grades 9 to 12 operate the shop with an accompanying adult. The profits from the fireworks sales will be divided among the four grades and benefit the students’ senior trips. Currently, half the supply has been sold. The shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily until Saturday, July 5. The fireworks are supplied by TNT Fireworks. Photo by Vanessa Schultze.

FAIRMONT – With the Fourth of July nearly here, Fairmont officials are looking to ensure festivities stay festive.

Fairmont Police Department Sergeant Mike Beletti said, especially with good weather on the horizon, large gatherings of people are expected.

“Our parks can be busy throughout the holiday season,” he said. “In the evening, we have a huge influx of people from surrounding communities come and watch the fireworks display. We’re expecting large crowds at Ward Park and Sylvania Park, the two primary watching points for the fireworks.”

With the spike in people, Beletti said he is expecting more calls like they have had in previous years.

“What we’ve already been experiencing, and will only go up from here, is fireworks complaints,” he said. “We see quite a few fireworks complaints surrounding the Fourth of July, several weeks before and several weeks after. A majority of those stem from the use of illegal fireworks.”

Fireworks purchased from Minnesota vendors, like Martin Luther’s fundraiser display outside of Walmart, are legal. Those purchased from Iowa or South Dakota may not necessarily be legal in Minnesota, as the nearby border states have less stringent fireworks laws.

“[In Minnesota it’s] anything that explodes, or anything that comes airborne or aerial,” Beletti said. “If it shoots up in the air, that’s illegal. If you light it and it explodes, whether that’s in the air or on the ground, those are illegal. Explosive fireworks and aerial fireworks, those are going to be your illegal variety.”

Sparklers, cones, tubes that spark or make noise and snakes are just a few examples of legal fireworks. Poppers thrown at the ground do not count as explosive.

Beletti said there are already a fair number of officers expected to work this three-day holiday weekend, but if there is a large number of calls, then prioritization will kick in.

“Should we get overloaded with calls, we will obviously prioritize and hit those emergencies and violent crimes first,” he said. “If there are fireworks complaints we don’t get to right away, we will get there, but it’s very possible we’re handling a more important matter at the time.”

Besides legality, Beletti said he also had some tips for safe usage of fireworks. He said to keep them away from anything combustible and to dispose of them properly.

“We’ve had it even here in Fairmont, where fireworks lit off were placed in a garbage can, and that sparks a fire,” Beletti said. “Garbage cans typically, when they’re not on the side of the street ready to be picked up, they’re sitting next to your house. That can certainly start your house on fire.”

To address this, Beletti said it’s as easy as having a bucket of water to drop your fireworks in and disposing of them afterward.

For those enjoying anything intoxicating for the fourth weekend, Beletti said pre-planning is vital to ensure safety and fun.

“We could see an increased number of parties and gatherings in Fairmont,” he said. “Pre-plan what you’re going to do and how you’re going to arrive at your destination, and then get back to wherever you’re staying. It’s very easy to pre-plan that, and if your plans fall through, look up taxi and ride-share services in Fairmont. I’m sure they will be out in full force on the Fourth of July.”

Regarding travel, Beletti said it is vital people take their time getting to or from anywhere with the increased foot and vehicle traffic.

“Slow down,” he said. “Watch for people, we’re going to have a lot of adults and children walking down our sidewalks and crossing the streets. When you’re driving on the Fourth of July, at any time this holiday, be extra cautious of pedestrians. Be patient and know you are going to get where you’re going, it might just take a little more time.”

And while there are only a few two-lane roads in town, Beletti offered a reminder that the lane-splitting and filtering laws are in place that allow motorcycles to go between cars. He said boaters should also be mindful of the new law requiring a watercraft operator’s permit if they were born after June 30, 2004.

The no-wake has been lifted for the lakes in general, but is always in force within 150 feet of docks, swimming beaches, anchored boats, or shoreline.

For more information, call the non-emergency line at 507-238-4481.