Updated
Updated · The Post and Courier · Jul 3
SC Neighborhoods Struggle to Book $5,000 Fireworks Shows for America 250 as Demand Swamps Crews
Updated
Updated · The Post and Courier · Jul 3

SC Neighborhoods Struggle to Book $5,000 Fireworks Shows for America 250 as Demand Swamps Crews

3 articles · Updated · The Post and Courier · Jul 3

Summary

  • $2,500 neighborhood fireworks shows in South Carolina are now costing about $5,000, and some homeowner groups still cannot secure a company for July 4 because providers are fully booked.
  • America's 250th birthday has driven bigger-than-usual displays, while a small pool of licensed pyrotechnic firms lacks enough trained technicians and equipment to take new contracts.
  • 23.5 million pounds of display fireworks were used in 2025, up from 18.7 million in 2020, extending a post-pandemic rise in demand that has tightened capacity further.
  • $5 million insurance for transporting explosives, hazmat permits, fire-code compliance and local licensing add to the bottleneck, leaving organizers to book a year or more ahead.

Insights

With fireworks costs and risks soaring, will drone light shows become the new July Fourth tradition?
As costs rise, are spectacular fireworks shows becoming a luxury only wealthy communities can afford?