When the sounds of firecrackers and artillery shells and the scents of smoke and gunpowder fill the air, you know it’s the Fourth of July.
But just because it’s a holiday doesn’t mean all regulations go up in smoke. The city of Seward has limits for enjoying fireworks each year.
Derek Bargmann, Seward city clerk, said the rules and hours have not changed from last year.
The sale of fireworks may start June 28 at 8 a.m. Stands can be open 8 a.m. through 11 p.m. June 28 through July 3 and 8 a.m. to midnight July 4.
Four vendors have five locations in 2026. All have applied for the proper permits and have been approved by the state fire marshal, Bargmann said.
Kaboomers will have sites at Pac ‘N’ Save and FastMart. Marv’s Fireworks from Wahoo will be in the Alps Bark Park parking lot. Bellino Fireworks of Hastings will be at Crouch’s.
A new vendor this year is St. John Lutheran Church. They are joining with The Rock Lutheran Church to sell fireworks as a fundraiser, Bargmann said.
Fireworks may be discharged within the city limits June 28 through July 3 between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. and July 4 from 8 a.m. to midnight.
The following restrictions are also in place for fireworks and objects that explode on contact with other objects. It is unlawful to discharge, fire, launch or throw:
• rom or onto any motor vehicle;
• nto any street, highway or sidewalk;
• t or near any people or groups of people;
• nto or onto any building;
• n or onto the premises of another person; and
• ithin 200 feet of any fireworks stand.
In addition, fireworks are not allowed within one block of the July 4 parade route from 3 p.m. until 30 minutes after the parade is over on July 4.
They are also not allowed in any park or on public property from two hours before until 30 minutes after any public event, like the fireworks show at Plum Creek Park on July 4.
Violators will be fined up to $500 per incident.
Sales of fireworks are usually done in tents set up specifically for that purpose. Stands must be at least 75 feet from gas storage or pumps and at least 10 feet from buildings.
The stands, which cannot be part of store buildings, are not allowed on public right-of-way or public property, and they must include “No Smoking” signs and fire extinguishers.
