NORTHEAST, PA (WICU-WSEE) -- Legal or not, fireworks sales are booming in northwestern Pennsylvania, and a majority of sales are not to Pennsylvania residents.  


"most are from new york residents because they can come out of state and purchase these"says Scott Weigle, manager at Phantom of Erie.


Fireworks can legally be sold in the keystone state, however, not to Pennsylvania residents, unless they have  a permit. Drivers licenses are checked at the front door of facilities like phantom fireworks. Only those with an out of state license are allowed to purchase the big stuff.


"wherever they take em, they have to abide by their own state laws, so if they take it to state that it's illegal, that's on them"


The steady stream of interstate travelers making their way through this section of East Main Road in Northeast, PA, makes it clear to that fireworks are a hot commodity for travelers in this area. Even so, you may be surprised to learn how few fireworks citizens inside PA are allowed to purchase.


According to the Pennsylvania State Police department website, PA residents can use "ground and hand held sparkling devices, novelties and toy caps"

That means that sparklers and smoke bombs are okay but anything that goes in the air is not.

For New York and New Jersey it is illegal to transport fireworks across the state line, but one New Yorker that we spoke with today, said that is not going to effect his families celebration.


"I got 19 grand kids. Since they cut down on all the big shows at the park, you gotta do something for the kids."


...when asked about bringing the fireworks back across the boarder, 

"that's the chance you take you know, to have a little fun."

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