Keep Fireworks Legal in Shawnee For 2027

Well folks, we need your help to save the Fourth of July in Shawnee, KS!

From 2023-2026 in Shawnee, Kansas it has been legal to buy and enjoy fireworks in the city during the Fourth of July. A week ago, on August 10th, the city council of Shawnee voted to permanently repeal the right to buy and use fireworks in Shawnee.

During the committee meeting on 8/10, the city council only heard from a handful of citizens who were against fireworks. There was no one present to make the case for keeping fireworks, including the local Shawnee fireworks businesses / permit holders, because we already had received notice from City officials that we were APPROVED for 2027. We didn't know we needed to be there to advocate for keeping fireworks legal, or we would've been there.

Because none of the fireworks businesses were present, and the thousands of residents in Shawnee who love fireworks didn't know they needed to raise their voice to their city council members, we've got some work to do...

If you live in Shawnee and:

1. Love getting to celebrate the Fourth of July.
2. Appreciate having the freedom and agency of deciding what is safe and best for you and your family.

WE NEED YOU TO ACT, AND FAST. 

What We're Asking You To Do

 If you are in favor of retaining your right to celebrate the Fourth of July in Shawnee, you have to tell the city council you want them to KEEP FIREWORKS LEGAL IN SHAWNEE. We will be going to future city council meetings to speak and make our case. Would you stand behind us as we go to make our case? Here's what we need you to do.

1. Sign this petition!
2. Email the city council member from your Ward and respectfully (please!) tell them you want to keep fireworks legal in Shawnee for 2027. 

What We're Asking The City To Consider

On August 10th, the city council members had three options before them.

1. Keep everything the way it is
2. Modify the rules and make some changes
3. Repeal entirely and kill fireworks in Shawnee

They chose to repeal fireworks entirely, primarily because a number of them had received complaints from their constituents. After four years of fireworks in Shawnee, we know that so many of you LOVE fireworks!

We also recognize that fireworks are not for everyone. As an attempt to respond to the constituents who do not want fireworks, we are asking the city to...

1. Lift the repeal of fireworks
2. Pursue option #2 from the choices they had on August 10th: Modify the rules and make some changes. 
   • We want to find a middle road the makes the most people happy through compromise and concessions. 

Proposed Modifications For 2027

A few of the local Shawnee fireworks businesses have been collaborating over the past week. Below are the key components of our proposal to modify the sale and discharge of fireworks in 2027. 

1. Limit the sale of fireworks to July 1st to July 4th
   • Currently the sales window is June 27th - July 4th
2. Limit the discharge of fireworks to July 4th, only. 
3. Change the hours that retail stands are allowed to be open from 8 AM - 10 PM to 9 am - 9 PM. 
4. Fireworks stand owners will provide new means and methods for safety education to consumers.
5. Increase the fee for illegally discharging fireworks outside of the allowed dates and times, or discharging illegal fireworks, from $100 to $500 for a first time offense.
6. Eliminate roman candles that do not have a stake.

We have offered other concessions and solutions beyond the above list. We are hopeful that a compromise can appease both sides on this issue. Instead of imposing the outright ban, and making it illegal to celebrate the Fourth of July, we believe the best way forward for Shawnee is to keep fireworks legal with modifications.

With these proposed changes Shawnee residents who enjoy celebrating with fireworks will still be able to do so on the Fourth of July with their family and friends. Residents in Shawnee who do not like fireworks will know there is only one day it is allowed, and that there will be stiffer penalties and enforcement for rule breakers. 

By signing this petition, you are supporting what we believe is a middle road compromise that does the following. 

1. Preserves Shawnee’s residents rights to celebrate the Fourth of July.
2. Respects and changes the rules for citizens who have complaints. 
3. Supports local small businesses, and their families. 
4. Ensures the continued celebration of our nation’s independence with safety and freedom. 

Let's keep the spirit of Independence Day alive in Shawnee for 2027 and beyond!