Many of us have fond childhood memories of fireworks. We set off roman candles in our driveways or at the beach, “wrote” our names in the air with sparklers or tossed firecrackers into the road and other innocent activities.

But attitudes toward fireworks have changed in recent years. The public is gaining awareness that fireworks are not such innocent fun, after all. In 2008, fireworks caused about 22,000 fires, including 1400 structure fires, killing one person and causing 42 million dollars in damage.

Sparklers, that childhood “toy,” burn at 1200 degrees. That’s nearly four times as hot as a cake bakes.

In order to combat injuries and fires, governments have started to declare fireworks illegal. Some governments, like Ferry County, ban all fireworks, even sparklers and blanks. The only exception is for people who have applied 15 days in advance.

In the city of Republic, though, fireworks are not yet banned. According to Interim Police Chief Ken Marcuson, State-approved fireworks are allowed on the 4th of July in city limits. This is limited to the actual fouth, and fireworks must be classified “safe and sane.” Many of the fireworks sold on the Indian reservation do not qualify.

These limitation are bound to disappoint some people, but remember that Ferry County has its own fireworks display, presented by trained professionals at Curlew Lake. Fireworks start at dark, usually 10 p.m. or a little earlier if there are no clouds.

The display will be shot from Black Beach Resort. According to Bobbi Weller of the Curlew Lake Association, it won’t be hard to find good viewing. Anywhere along Black Beach Road, West Curlew Lake Road, or any side roads above the lake, will provide excellent view locations.

Before the fireworks, a lighted boat parade starts at the State Park and travels north, and then back down the west side of the lake. The parade will stop during the fireworks, and then proceed on after the show.

This annual show is sponsored by donation only. Cans are placed around town and resorts year round. If this is important to you, please drop a dollar or two into the can next time you see one.