Oh No - Shortage of Fireworks from China for U.S. July 4th!!!!!!!

An explosion that destroyed 20 fireworks warehouses in China three months ago will probably dim night skies in the United States this Fourth of July.

Fireworks vendors said that because of the sudden shortage, fireworks like bottle rockets, ladyfingers and Roman candles, as well as mortars used in professional displays, will be hard to get, meaning many of the usual pyrotechnic extravaganzas across the country may have to be curtailed or even canceled.

“Everybody in the industry is scared to death that their orders aren’t going to get here in time,” said Ken Sprague, president of Hamburg Fireworks Display in Lancaster, Ohio, which choreographs fireworks shows throughout the Midwest. “I haven’t slept a full night in months.”

The blast on Feb. 14 in the Chinese port city of Sanshui shook homes miles away and fireworks soared and burst in midair for more than 24 hours, according to local news reports. It is unclear whether anyone was harmed.

The accident led to a ban on fireworks shipments at all Chinese ports except two that are far from fireworks production areas, resulting in further delays.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/business/worldbusiness/17kaboom.html?hp

With the economy in the dumper and high gas/food prices wonder if the people who buy fireworks will cut back?

It usually starts around Memorial Day, and quits after Labor Day.

its more fun to blow off fingers then it is to eat. Sheeeeeeeesh it isn't 4th of July without the ohhhhhhhhhs and ahhhhhhhhhhhs heard across the nation on the night of the 4th. Funny thing is? I haven't bothered to watch fire works since 1967 or was it 66?

But the idiots from 2 doors down must still have a stock. They set some off last night.

our sacred annual fireworks rituals?

They whistle then explode.

with lots of smoke and little fire.

I just hope the damn bottle rockets were destroyed. My cat hates those.