Follow CBSPHILLY Facebook Twitter VOORHEES, N.J. (CBS) — Former Governor Chris Christie signed the law in 2017 legalizing certain types of fireworks but it was signed so close to the holiday that many shops were not able to get their permits in time. This year they are ready. “I got some sparklers, I think the girls are really going to like it,” said Sam Morales of Voorhees. For Morales and many other New Jersey residents, this will be the first Independence Day they’re buying fireworks in their own state. “So this year they were able to get everything together, get the permits going and open up some stores,” said Duane Coverdale of TNT Fireworks. What’s legal are fountains, sparklers, spinners, and pops, or as Eyewitness News learned they call it in the fireworks business, “safe and sane.” “Everything is ground which means that nothing will launch itself off the ground,” said Coverdale. “No flaming balls will come out, it will just be showers of sparks and nothing will flat out explode.” Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware Among States Suing Trump Administration Over Family Separations While these products are mean’t to minimize the chance of getting hurt or starting a fire, some safety officials are concerned about the new risks. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service discourages fireworks of any kind but for those who use the legal products, they want you to be extra aware of your surroundings before lighting a fuse. “A clear spot where nothing can burn, maybe a paved area or concrete patio, so if anything lands it won’t ignite anything,” said John Rieth, a New Jersey Forest Fire service assistant warden. State lawmakers who voted to legalize the pyrotechnics are hoping ground base fireworks create the right blend of fun and responsibility. Now, depending on how much you want to spend, they last from a few seconds to more than 5 minutes long. You have to be 16-years-old to buy fireworks in New Jersey.<doc-sep>With the Fourth of July holiday falling in the middle of the week this year, local fireworks displays are scattered across the calendar with local events firing up starting tonight and running through next Wednesday. More fireworks will be on display tonight over Lake Mohawk in Sparta presented by the Lake Mohawk County Club. Other Fourth of July holiday events still on tap include: Blairstown Blairstown will hold a Fourth of July celebration Wednesday, July 4, at Footbridge Park. The park opens at 10:30 a.m. and the celebration kicks off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11 a.m. The event will include races, contests, food and vendors. The annual fireworks display will take place at dusk at North Warren Regional High School off Lambert Road. More information can be found at www.blairstownfourth.org. Frankford A fireworks display -- touted as the largest in Sussex County with double the firepower -- will take place at Skylands Stadium after the Sussex County Miners game Wednesday, July 4. Taking place at 6:05 p.m. against the in-state rival New Jersey Jackals, this year's Fourth of July celebration will feature a patriotic mix of baseball and saluting first responders and more. Pre-game festivities will lead off with a parade of first responder vehicles from Lakeland EMS, Branchville Fire Department, State Police, Sussex County Sheriff, and Sussex and Warren County Hazmat. The National Anthem will be performed by the Sussex County Sheriff Department's Honor Guard Unit. Sparta The Lake Mohawk County Club in Sparta will host a fireworks display at dusk tonight . Though viewing areas on part of the boardwalk are restricted to club members, large crowds typically gather in White Deer Plaza to view the show. The Sparta Elks will again host the annual Sparta Township Fourth of July Parade at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 4. The parade lineup will begin at East Shore Trail and Twin Elm. Parade awards, refreshments and free hot dogs will follow the parade. The Ski Hawks waterskiing team will perform on Lake Mohawk after the parade, about 11:45 a.m.<doc-sep>Seasonal & Holidays Reminder: Woodbridge Fireworks Tuesday Night, July 3 Woodbridge fireworks are on Tuesday, July 3. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. at Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park on the Sewaren waterfront. Reply WOODBRIDGE, NJ — The annual Woodbridge Township Independence Day celebration and fireworks display gets underway on Tuesday, July 3. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. at Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park on the Sewaren waterfront. The Independence Day festivities kick-off with live music by THE TIME MACHINE With Special Guests Good to Go, followed by the incredible "Bringing the Night to Life" fireworks display choreographed to music. (Like what you see? Sign up for news delivered to your email by clicking here.) "We are extremely excited to announce that Woodbridge Township is again hosting the largest Independence Day fireworks display and celebration in the region," Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac said. "Woodbridge Township is home to military personnel currently serving overseas, military veterans who served and protected America's freedom and democracy in conflicts around the world and First Responders who serve on the front line of emergencies throughout the Township - it is to those brave military personnel, veterans and First Responders that we dedicate this year's Independence Day celebration." The Woodbridge Township Independence Day Festival and Fireworks draws thousands of residents to the Sewaren waterfront and is an extraordinary celebration of place and country. The renowned Pyrotecnico Fireworks will bring a world-class pyrotechnics display to the Sewaren waterfront with more than 30 thousand shots fired electronically by computers in synchronization to a wide selection of patriotic and contemporary music. The Independence Day festivities kick-off with live music by The Time Machine and Special Guests Good to Go. Mayor McCormac and Township officials recognize Woodbridge Township First Responders, Veterans and Military personnel at 7:15 PM. The Time Machine takes the stage at 8:00 PM followed by the incredible "Bringing the Night to Life" fireworks display choreographed to music at dusk (approximately 9:15 PM) - the fireworks will be simulcast on 1079 WOLD radio. Alvin P. Williams Park will be closed during the day to allow for the fireworks set-up. The gates will open to the public at 4:00 PM. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are encouraged. There is no reserved seating and no alcoholic beverages are permitted in the park. In case of inclement weather call the Woodbridge Township Department of Recreation at 732-602-6045 or go to the Township web page at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us. Alvin P. Williams Park will be closed during the day Tuesday to allow for the fireworks set-up. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are encouraged. There is no reserved seating and no alcoholic beverages are permitted in the park.<doc-sep>
Community Corner What Fireworks Can You Have At Your 4th Of July 2018 Party In NJ? This is just the second Fourth Of July where some types of fireworks are legal in NJ. Make sure you know what's allowed and what's not. Reply NEW JERSEY — With Fourth of July quickly approaching, its time to start planning your backyard barbecue and figure out which fireworks showings to attend. With the new fireworks rules in New Jersey, you can now use a select few types of fireworks in your own backyard. But do you know which ones? Then-Gov. Chris Christie signed the fireworks bill into law just before Fourth of July in 2017, but few stores had stocks in time for the holiday. This year, finding fireworks are easy: most of the big box stores and supermarkets sell some type of pyrotechnics, but many types still remain illegal. The only types of fireworks that are currently legal in New Jersey are handheld sparklers, ground-based sparklers, and novelty items like party popper and snappers. All other fireworks, like explosive and aerial fireworks, sky rockets, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles remain illegal in the state. Using banned fireworks is a disorderly persons offense and can carry a fine of up to $500. And don't think about buying them in Pennsylvania and driving them into Jersey to get around the rules-- they're illegal to possess and use in the Garden State, even if you legally bought them somewhere else. While small children might be excited by the bright lights of handheld sparklers, all fireworks remain banned for children under the age of 16.