City of Shawnee

Council Moves to Allow Some Fireworks

Council Moves to Allow Some Fireworks
Posted on 05/10/2022

Celebrate the Fourth of July with legal fireworks in Shawnee! The City Council voted in May to allow fireworks during a specific time frame in 2022 and to allow the sale of fireworks in Shawnee starting in 2023. Here are some guidelines as we all prepare to celebrate Independence Day safely.

Firework Use

  • Fireworks may be set off between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 3 and July 4, 2022.
  • Sparklers, smoke bombs, fountains and other fireworks are allowed.
  • Bottle rockets, sky lanterns and M80's are NOT allowed.
  • You can NOT light off fireworks in the following locations;
    • Near fireworks stands
    • Medical buildings, elder care facilities, public buildings, schools
    • Under, on or from a vehicle
    • Into a gathering of people
    • Public property including parks, sidewalks and streets
    • Cemeteries
    • Inside any building or structure

Firework Sales

Firework sales are NOT allowed in Shawnee in 2022. Starting in 2023, firework stands will be permitted in Shawnee around the Independence Day holiday. Up to five total stands will be allowed throughout the city, with one per ward and one floating location.

  • Starting on June 1, 2022, anyone interested in running a fireworks stand in Shawnee in 2023 will be able to fill out an online form requesting a temporary retail sale permit.
  • On June 16, 2022, eight applicants will be randomly drawn.
  • Those eight finalists will then have the opportunity to officially apply for a fireworks stand by August 15, 2022.
  • Five finalists will be randomly drawn. The remaining three will be alternates.
  • A $2,500 fee will be required for each of the fireworks stands.

Safety Tips

The Shawnee Fire Department encourages safe firework practices during your Fourth of July celebrations.  

  • Always read and follow label instructions. 
  • Keep fireworks away from children. 
  • Separate alcohol and fireworks and consider designating a “Sober Shooter”. 
  • Keep an eye on your pets, especially if loud noises startle them. 
  • Be considerate of veterans or anyone who may be struggling with PTSD.  

Looking for firework fun before the Fourth of July? Come to the PARKED event on Friday, June 24 at Stump Park! Festivities will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a firework finale at 9:30 p.m. Visit cityofshawnee.org/events for more information.