Everything you need to know about 2023 fireworks

Metro Wire Staff

Where are the local fireworks shows, and what’s legal at home?

In Portage Co., several fireworks displays are planned, beginning this week:

Sunday, July 2

Closing out the annual three-day Riverfront Rendezvous at Pfiffner Park, 1100 Crosby Ave. Fireworks at dusk. Free.

Monday, July 3

Music by Crankin Yankees. Fireworks at dusk. Tiki Beach Bar & Grill, 1117 County Hwy DB, Mosinee. 6-10 p.m., free, 21+

Tuesday, July 4

Music by The Hucksters. Fireworks at dusk. Bullheads Bar & Grill, 3368 Campsite Dr., 7 p.m. Free.

Saturday, July 8

Annual community picnic at Junction City Village Park on Case Ave. The events will include a softball tournament, food, kids’ games, live music, a parade, and fireworks. The fireworks will begin at dus

Saturday, July 29

Celebrate Plover. Live music, bounce houses, water wars, food, and more. Fireworks show begins at dusk. Free.

What kind of fireworks are legal at home?

According to Division Chief Terence Sinner from SPFD, state laws regulate the use of fireworks.

“To simplify the matter, a written permit is required if a device (firework), explodes or leaves the ground,” Sinner said via email this week.

Under Wisconsin Department of Justice guidelines, if a person is found in possession of, or uses a firework that falls into the permit required category without a written and signed permit issued to them by their local jurisdiction, they can be subject to a $1,000 fine per violation.

Each firework illegally possessed, used, or sold may be considered a separate violation, Sinner said.

Fireworks are dangerous and, in some instances, can be lethal. In 2022, Wisconsin saw 107 Emergency Department visits caused by fireworks. Men accounted for 78 of those visits, according to the Dept. of Health, and about one-quarter were children under the age of 17.

To learn more about what types of fireworks are legal, see the state law here.