Fireworks are as synonymous with the Fourth of July as cake is with birthdays.
And business has been booming at fireworks outlets this week, said James Stajos, owner of American Eagle Fireworks, 901 N. Larch St. in Lansing.
Stajos says he expects to see about 50,000 people in his store today and Friday, making about 15,000 purchases.
"This is my busiest time of year, everybody waits until the last minute," he said. "It's just crazy - lines to get in, lines to get out."
American Eagle Fireworks sells every kind of firework - more than 500 varieties imported from China - and ships orders all over the nation.
But Stajos said customers are looking for one staple when is comes to July 4 celebrations - sparklers.
"I don't care what state you go to or what is legal, everyone has to have sparklers," he said. "Ironically, that's the most dangerous item I sell."
Sparklers can burn at an upward of 1,000 degrees and can be a danger if children are running around with lit sparklers, East Lansing Fire Marshal Bob Pratt said.
The city of East Lansing allows individuals to sell fireworks with a permit, but Pratt says the city makes it very difficult in order to prevent the sale of illegal varieties.
Individuals and businesses must request a permit six months before they intend to sell. The city rarely issues permits to individuals - most are issued to large outlets such as Kroger and Meijer, Pratt said.
"I think the legitimacy of some of the bigger chain stores helps to ensure that only legal fireworks are being sold," he said. "They have a lot more to lose."
International business junior Mike Martin plans to drive to Indiana and spend about $100 on fireworks to celebrate Independence Day.
Martin plans to set off fireworks himself because he says it's more fun than the large displays, but says Michigan doesn't have the fancier items he likes.
"The fireworks they sell in Michigan suck because Michigan sells the ones that you can't shoot off into the air," he said.
Stajos carries fireworks illegal in Michigan for out-of-state sale, but says he only shelves fireworks Michigan deems "safe and sane."
Michigan State Police remind residents any fireworks making loud noises or leave the ground are usually illegal and unsafe.
About 10,000 people nationwide are injured in firework-related injures every year, most occur in the weeks around July 4, according to statistics by the National Fire Protection Association.
Mary Ann Yungfer, a East Lansing resident, prefers to watch the Meridian Township display with her family.
"It's a lot safer," she said. "They're bigger, better and there are more fireworks."
Staff writer Lindsey Anderson contributed to this report.
Sarah Frank can be reached at franksa2@msu.edu.
