By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

Residents of the River Parishes and surrounding areas shopped early in the week to ensure an explosive New Year’s Eve.

With firework stands lining both sides of the Airline Highway in St. John Parish, owners anticipate that this year’s sales will be record-breaking now that St. Charles Parish residents are able to discharge fireworks legally for the first time in nearly 40 years.  

Carl Freeman of Snappy Fireworks said that most of his sales are made on New Year’s Eve and that last year strict enforcement from the St. Charles Parish Sheriffs Office contributed to a 20 percent decrease in his sales.

Carey Rochelle of Big Dog Fireworks is also expecting a big year, and she should get one considering that her stand is as close as it comes to the St. Charles Parish line.

Fireworks are legal in both St. John and St. Charles parishes until 10 p.m. on Jan. 1.