Big Ba-Da-Boom
God bless the state of Indiana.
Fireworks are illegal in Illinois. In Indiana, they’re only mostly illegal, which means slightly legal. While you can’t buy them if you intend to use them in Indiana or as a “private” party, you can buy them if 1) you promise to take them out of state within 5 days, and 2) if you buy them on behalf of a group such as Lions Club, Rotary Club, or say, I don’t know, the Indiana Fireworks User Association, which, it just so happens, you join at checkout for a small $2 fee.
We were about half-way through our ~$200 stash of fireworks (all purchased at “buy one, get one free!”, making it close to $400 worth) when the cops showed up. Not surprising, but meaning we have a crap load of bottle rocks, roman candles, and black-cats left. A few cakes, which I have to say I’m liking more & more. They also seem to be the biggest crowd pleasers.
As for the leftovers, my mom is adamant they’re not staying here for another year. Apparently in the past, she’s had trouble throwing them away as the garbage men won’t take them. I don’t think it will be a problem — my brother will certainly want to take a lot back with him to Chicago, and some extended family visiting for the holiday, can drive back with a bunch as well.
I obviously can’t take any on the plane back to California, though I wonder what would happen if I put a bunch in a bag I don’t care about and just left it somewhere in the airport. Might make the time waiting in those security lines pass quicker.
Anyway, a great 4th of July.
Happy 229th, America!
