Since Dunkirk has canceled its annual fireworks show for July 4, a lot of people seem more compelled to buy their own fireworks, sparklers, noisemakers and other popular pyrotechnics.

At the Fredonia Walmart, there is a tent set up in the parking lot with hundreds of different kinds of fireworks, but none that go up into the air and explode. The cashiers at the tent explained that sales are not necessarily up yet this year, but they are expecting them to skyrocket by the end of next week.

“Our first week is usually slow, but the few days before the Fourth is when we usually sell out,” the cashier said. “Even when the shows aren’t canceled, we usually sell out.”

Customers buying fireworks all felt more inclined to buy and use them since the show is canceled in Dunkirk.

OBSERVER Photo by Natasha Matteliano Pictured is a tent set up outside the Fredonia Walmart.

“I usually don’t buy many, if anything sparklers,” said Silver Creek resident Kris Herrmann. “But now I might buy more since there won’t be any in Dunkirk. My family and I usually go down to the pier, but we won’t this year.”

Another customer said she and her friends and family were all more inclined to buy fireworks since there will be no show in Dunkirk.

A grantmother said that she won’t be buying anything big, but she always grabs some sparklers for her grandchildren.

There have been numerous phone calls to police departments around the area complaining about people shooting off illegal fireworks. The Gowanda Police Department and Dunkirk Police Department both published statements regarding the use of fireworks.

Dunkirk Police’s statement explains that although some pyrotechnics — specifically sparkler devices — are legal in New York state, use and possession of devices that rise into the air, fire projectiles in the air and explode are illegal in the state and the use and possession of these is a misdemeanor crime.

“The use of illegal fireworks can cause fire and personal safety hazards. They can cause serious injuries especially to children,” the statement reads. “Our call volume related to fireworks complaints has increased tenfold in the last week. We will be putting plans into place to address this issue and we will be placing the proper penal law charges for use and possession as well as city noise ordinance violations.”

Dunkirk police have received multiple complaints for fireworks.

“We have issued a zero-tolerance order on arrests related to possession and use of dangerous fireworks,” the department said. “These types of violations disrupt the quality of life in our community, we will be sending the message that this behavior is unacceptable.

“We urge parents to supervise their children with the use of sparklers as they can still cause injury if not used properly. We wish all our area residents and visitors a happy and safe summer season.”