Fireworks in Huntsville. (File photo/AL.com)Bob Gathany/bgathany@AL.com

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There are large, legal and safe fireworks shows across Madison County this Fourth of July weekend that officials would like you to take note of.

What is new this year, however, is Huntsville following the lead of a new state law by permitting stores and vendors to sell low-key, non-flying “novelty items” like poppers and sparklers for the first time.

What hasn’t changed is that many of fireworks people like best – firecrackers, bottle rockets, exploding mortar shells – are still illegal in Athens, Huntsville, Madison and Decatur. But they are still legal in rural areas near those cities, many of which are now home to new subdivisions.

“We encourage them to go watch a professional show rather than risk any kind of property damage or injury,” Huntsville Fire Marshal Dan Wilkerson said Tuesday.

He’s talking about the private use of fireworks late into the night that scares dogs, disturbs veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and can set buildings on fire.

This system of “legal here, illegal there” accounts for large stores like Fireworks Supermarket at 7204 Governors West. That’s near Bridge Street, Cabela’s and Cummings Research Park and easily visible from I-565.

Fireworks Supermarket’s products range from “kid-friendly sparklers” to reloadable “shocker shells” with mortar-like launching tubes. A popular place this week, the store has been there for 23 years but only open near the big fireworks holidays like the Fourth.

Customer Steven Cooper had help from young store employee Beckett Smith to get his load out to the car on Tuesday. Cooper said he spent between $150 and $160. Smith pushed the grocery cart.

“I try to keep it to $100,” Cooper said, “but when you get in there, it’s hard not to spend a little more.”

Cooper will set off his fireworks in Albertville, and he said there’s nothing like this store on Sand Mountain where he lives.

Fireworks Supermarket is typical of vendors, Wilkerson said. They set up on tax islands or near city limits. It’s a practice that gives the impression fireworks are legal in the cities when they’re not. But they are legal where they operate.

“That was one of our concerns about legalizing the novelty devices,” Wilkerson said. “Now you’re going to see sparklers and ground devices being sold in Walmarts and other retailers, and it’s going to give the impression (other fireworks) are legal in Huntsville when they’re actually not.”

Wilkerson said there are “numerous” fireworks injuries every year, most not serious. Bottle rocket mishaps have been more significant. “We’ve had a few apartments set on fire when a bottle rocket gets shot off and finds a crevice in an apartment building,” he said.

“It’s not just the fire hazard,” Wilkerson said. “Pets get disoriented by the noise, and we have a large military community here. We have a lot of veterans that deal with PTSD that are struggling with the noise as well. And they’re going off way after midnight.”

Where are Huntsville’s fireworks shows?

Saturday: MidCity, food, live music all day, fireworks at 9:30 p.m., also fireworks at Toyota Field following the Rocket City Trash Pandas game.

Saturday: Madison’s Dublin Park, 8324 Madison Pike, 5-9 p.m., celebration with inflatables, live music, food vendors and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Sunday: Hampton Cove golf course fireworks display.

Monday: Providence, 7 p.m., fireworks and music.

How do I light fireworks safely?

The National Safety Council, a non-profit public service organization, suggests the following tips for firework safety:

How do I keep pets safe and calm during firework shows?

While their humans enjoy the fun and festivities, Independence Day can be filled with danger and anxiety for the common household pet. Dr. Harmony Glenn of the Double Springs Veterinary Clinic offered some advice to keep your furry friend happy and healthy during the holiday.

Lee Roop reports from Huntsville for AL.com. Lede reporter Heather Gann contributed to this story.

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