(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Despite reports of fireworks shortages this summer, the owner of the company that puts on many of the community displays in the Chicago area says that won't affect the public shows this holiday weekend.
Michael Cartolano, president of Melrose Pyrotechnics, on Thursday said there is no shortage for the fireworks used in professional shows.
That's largely because of all the fireworks that went unused last year, he said, when the pandemic forced the cancellation of many public shows.
The supply of professional-grade fireworks is so big, many communities decided to have more elaborate shows this year, Cartolano said.
The widely reported shortage of fireworks is for consumer-grade items that are purchased at retail outlets or at roadside stands. Illinois bans most consumer fireworks, but residents typically cross state lines to acquire them, over the warnings of authorities.
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