Local Fireworks Tent Prepares For Blast off Season With New Fireworks Laws

Now that state laws on fireworks have relaxed, and you can buy airborne fireworks without leaving Michigan, a local family who runs a fireworks tent in Washington Township is gearing up for a blast of a holiday.

Paul and Robin Wayco, a husband and wife from Almont will go bigger and better this year with what they can offer at their temporary TNT Fireworks business in the Meijer parking lot on 26 Mile Road west of M-53.

In addition to the standard sparklers, snakes, smoke balls and fountains, they will now be selling Roman Candles, rockets, firecrackers, mortars, canisters, cakes, and racks.

It became legal this year to sell bottle rockets, Roman candles and other flying devices to consumers. Legislators passed the change, which Gov. Rick Snyder signed last Dec. 13, to generate sales tax revenue and registration fees. Sellers pay $1,000 annually for a permanent site or $600 for a tent or other seasonal, outdoor location. There will be the additional Safety Fee of 6 percent.

The stand will open June 22 and run through the Fourth of July weekend. 

Temporary fireworks stands such as the Waycos’ seem to fare well even in tough economic times, according to Chuck Friese, a TNT Fireworks area manager based in Kalamazoo.

“Because people aren’t spending as much on traveling, they are spending more in their community,” Friese said.

There are several TNT Fireworks tents in southeastern Michigan, including ones in Royal Oak, Waterford and White Lake.