In 2012, the City of Russellville passed an ordinance regulating fireworks and the display of such for sale. This was done mainly because of the overly dry conditions that plagued the state of Kentucky during the summer months, and the burn bans that are placed periodically on Logan County as a result. Another reason was cited concerning the sound as louder fireworks have become disruptive in the early morning hours.
However, at Tuesday’s city council meeting, members of the council unanimously agreed to pass a resolution that provides for an exemption to Jakes Fireworks, a business that is located on Johnson Street. Because this is a business that handles fireworks year-round, and generates year-round economic development, the city felt it was necessary to make the exemption for when the business needs to conduct a demonstration by commercial fireworks distributors.
When the city passed its ordinance to regulate fireworks last year, they included when persons may ignite, fire or explode them. These were the dates and times listed that are allowed in the City of Russellville during the year: July 1 through July 5, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. each day; Dec. 24 and 25, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day; from 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 until 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 and Jan. 1, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
With the resolution for exemption, Jakes Fireworks will now be allowed to have its demonstration by commercial fireworks distributors to occur on its property April 27th from 7:30-10 p.m.
In the resolution it explains the fireworks display by Jakes Fireworks is enjoyed each year by the citizens of Russellville. It also explicitly explains that Jakes Fireworks will agree to all liability during the display, and will pay a $250 charge to have the city fire department come out and sit near the display for the safety and protection of nearby property and those present.
“The reason why we are doing this, is because this is an industry for us, and this is what they do for a living. They are demonstrating for other businesses, which ultimately brings in revenue and economic development for the city,” said Russellville Mayor Mark Stratton.
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