Despite Critics, Kiwanis Fireworks Stand Tradition Continues

They're the only fireworks stand for miles around, and the hopes it stays that way.

Open for business from June 28 until July 4 and staffed entirely by volunteers, the Mercer Island fireworks stand in the southeast corner of the Rite Aid parking lot is the local service club's biggest fundraiser. From the traditional sparklers and smoke bombs to a assortments priced over $150, the stand offers an array of pyrotechnics for purchase. Kiwanis club secretary James Baker said the proceeds from all sales are divided evenly between the Mercer Island Kiwanis Club and their distributor, Tacoma-based American Promotional Events and TNT Fireworks.

Kiwanis donates the money raised from the sales to 18 different organizations and typically raises $20,000 to $30,000 from the fireworks stand. Baker said at one time, the club ran three stands on the Island — one in the Mercer Village Shopping Center and another positioned on the north side of Town Center, closer to Interstate 90. But concern over public safety and the illegal use of fireworks in towns across King County resulted in most cities and towns imposing a ban on all fireworks sales. 

Mercer Island is one of a small number of urban places that permits the sale and use of fireworks, but . In 1992, 55 percent of residents said they supported banning fireworks from the Island.

In recent years, the City Council reviews a special use permit for the club to sell the fireworks, and each year approval is given. . Baker said he hopes the support continues. 

"The vote is usually 5-1 or 6-1 in favor of supporting the fireworks stand," he said. "We're not selling fireworks to anyone who asks. We request ID for people who look around 16 or a little older, tell them when they can use the fireworks on July 4 and we offer advice on where to set them off. We just lay it on the line with folks — we don't want anyone to burn their house down."

Their biggest seller is typically the "49'er" fireworks assortment, which includes an array of Roman candles, fountains and sparklers, but Baker pointed out the stand's more spectacular firepower in the nine-shot box of rockets called "Powerful Stuff".

"That thing must weigh more than 10 pounds," he said.

Among the organizations the club will donate to include the , Smile Train, The Special Olympics, , The Ronald McDonald House, , and Matthew House.

Sales at the stand are legally permitted by the state daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. through July 4.