this year's show

The following is a link to our 2012 4th of July shoot at our house.  Couple of things I would have changed (louder music, better cue timing on my part, etc.) but all in all a great first electrically-fired show!

2012 hoggatt family show

Fireworks on a Budget

So you want to celebrate the Fourth with some fireworks but you don't have much to spend?  I might be able to help!!!

Having loved fireworks all my life, and having worked for Jake's Fireworks in Independence, KS for the last few seasons, I've learned a few tricks to help get the most bang for your buck--literally!

1. First off, check out online coupons!!!  Jake's Fireworks, for example, has a "V.I.P. Club" where you can sign up to receive free daily coupons via e-mail during the fireworks season.  Some of these deals are pretty good, too!  (And as a note... even if you're reading this on the day of the 4th, it's still not too late to sign up!!!)
2. Don't forget the little stuff!!!  Items like snap pops cost much less than a dollar per box, yet kids LOVE them!  Plus, they take a fair amount of time to do... 
3. Don't get trapped in the "500g Cake" zone!!!  Yeah, they're cool... but are they cool enough to blow your entire budget on?  Probably not!  Check out the 200gram cakes instead (ask a sales associate if you have questions as to what, exactly, 200g means).  There are some cool ones to be had for less than $3!  Some of my favorites (these are going to be world class items, mostly) in this VERY inexpensive category are Dark Ghost and Luna Chick.  These are much better quality than the old 36 shot Happy that are over $4.  These small cakes have breaks that are slightly smaller versions of the 500g cakes' bursts.  But don't forget they're also lower to the ground when they break so they LOOK bigger than they are.
4. RELOADABLE MORTAR KITS.  If you're looking for good, loud, beautiful fireworks, these are the way to go.  They are shot one at a time, too, so they last much longer than sending 10 or 20 shots up in 11 seconds in a cake.  While the "black box" cheap artillery aren't the most breathtaking, they are still a decent value for fireworks fun.  And if you're looking for the huge canister shells (again, ask a sales associate for help if you're not sure what that is!), most retailers are now offering smaller boxes (6-8 shots) of these premium shells instead of the gigantor assortments that cost $70 or more.  This lets you get the quality without breaking the bank!
5. Roman candles.  Yeah.  I'll say it again.  Roman candles!  They're a classic that almost everyone likes.  Much like sparklers, they also let everyone get in on the fun!  While you can get really cool effects out of some of the premium candles, you can also get basic ones for around $1.50 for a six-pack.
6. Small fountains.  Kids love them, and most grown-ups do too--even if they won't admit it!  While there are some classics like Teapots, there are some really cool newer small fountains for under a dollar as well.  Check out Zen Masters and Kicks from Jake's, for example.
7. Assortments aren't always a bad idea.  I recommend them with a word of caution, but if you kinda know something about fireworks feel free to do the math... you can usually save 10-15% and some stands will give discounts on even mid-range assortments.  (Same with the larger artillery shell kits, by the way)  Don't be afraid to ask!
8. Finally, don't be afraid to take your kiddos!  While they can add to the pressure ("Can we get ____?" Please please please!!!") they can also help you get free stuff every once in awhile.  Jake's in Independence usually gives a small assortment to each little kiddo that comes through the checkout lines.  Not a lot of stuff--a few smoke balls, some sparklers, some snap pops and some champagne poppers--but it can last awhile, can give the kids something to call their own and, especially if you have several little ones, the value can add up quickly!

There you have it!  I hope this helps take some of the anxiety out of your 4th of July celebration, from one budget-limited pyro enthusiast to another!!! :)