Features

Chuck Kinsman, of Michigan, travels
to purchase fireworks at Miller Fireworks.

The dazzle and shimmer of Fourth of July fireworks along community riverfronts, parks and golf courses as well as across backyards big and small is as American as hot dogs, baseball and apple pie.

In this area, few know fireworks like John Miller of Miller Fireworks, located at 501 Glengary Rd. in Holland

Upon entering the stone driveway that leads to the parking lot of the white brick building that Miller’s grandfather, also named John Miller, began in 1958, customers are warned to leave all pipes, cigars and matches in their vehicles.

It’s a fair request considering the store is chock-full of all things explosive. From basic bottle rockets to new items such as the powerful “Black Mamba,” just about anything one is looking to light off is available.

 “The Black Mamba is phenomenal,” employee Chris Veres said. “It’s about the best you can get as far as class C fireworks – meaning those the general public can buy.”

The Black Mamba offers 20 different firework effects, sure to evoke plenty of oooohs and aaaahs from mindful spectators.

“It’s got big breaks when the shell explodes,” Veres said.

Employees hope the new product sells well both locally and with the many customers they serve throughout the United States.

Thanks to recent changes in laws regarding the sale and use of fireworks in other states, Miller is predicting a boom in sales this year.

“We’re projected to be further ahead of last year’s sales,” he said.

According to Miller, the laws regarding fireworks in Ohio are contained “in a book that’s about an inch and a half thick,” and differ from county to county. Different states also have their own laws.

Certain items sold in the store require special permits to set off, or they must be set off after leaving the state.

“If a person is an Ohio resident, they can buy anything that we sell provided they fill out proper forms and take it out of the state within 48 hours after the purchase,” Miller explained.

He also noted that there are several items in the store that can be purchased or set off without stipulations.

In addition to selling fireworks, the business also provides commercial fireworks displays, offering professional pyrotechnics services to businesses, groups or even individuals.

“We do weddings, church groups or whatever,” Miller said.

Some of Miller’s clients include Disney, which purchased a two-night display at an event called “Rockin’ Rockets.”

“It cost over $1 million dollars to produce,” Miller said.  

Miller Fireworks also conducts the fireworks display at Cathedral of Praise Church, now located on Strayer Road in Monclova Township.

According to Rev. John Ransom, pastor of the church, the 25-minute show is one of the most amazing fireworks displays in the area. He attributes the success to Steve Siegfried, a professional pyrotechnician at Miller Fireworks.

“He’s done stuff for us such as spell things in the air to pictures of the American flag. We’re told the display is as good or better than the display in downtown Toledo,” Ransom said.

The event usually draws between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators to the church. This year’s event, which is open to the public, will take place on Saturday, July 1 from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. and will feature live music and rides. The fireworks show will begin at 10:00 p.m.

“Steve has been doing our fireworks show for at least the past six years and I enjoy working with him,” Ransom said. “He’s very honest and Miller Fireworks is a very easy and very good company to work with.”

Additional information is available by visiting www.millerfireworks.com

- By Nancy Gagnet