East Ellijay will allow temporary vendors to set up this year
As July Fourth draws near, the City of East Ellijay will again allow seasonal fireworks vendors to operate within the city limits. That reverses a decision made last year when the city council voted to no longer allow the fireworks stands.
At a July 25, 2022, city council meeting, then-Mayor Mack West said the city had received a letter from Scott Lunsford, owner of All Star Fireworks, a brick and mortar fireworks store in East Ellijay. The company is based in Calhoun and has a location there, too.
Lunsford mentioned a temporary fireworks stand setting up across Maddox Drive from his store prior to July 4. He noted that his store is a year-round business that pays taxes and fees directly to the city.
“It’s not correct to let them operate without a license,” said West then about the seasonal stands.
Rick Day, who operates that particular Phantom Fireworks stand, recently contacted the city after finding out they weren’t going to allow the seasonal stand this year. Day said he felt targeted by the decision to not allow the stands, as he’s one of very few temporary fireworks vendors that operate locally.
Larry Callahan, public safety director, said he and Mayor Don Callihan looked back at the item and found, although the council voted to not allow the stands, it hadn’t been presented as a formal ordinance or resolution.
Due to that, the city will be allowing temporary fireworks stands to sell again this year.
“As long as they’ve got the property owner’s permission and meet the state requirements with the county fire marshal, we’re not going to prohibit it. But we’re (also) not going to permit it,” Callahan said.
Mack Wood, city planner, said the matter of whether or not to allow the fireworks stands came after other pop-up businesses like furniture tents and temporary car and truck sales had been asked not to operate inside the city limits.
“Just the principle is why they did it. We’ve got a guy with a business license to the city that pays taxes and right before July 4 and Jan. 1, (another vendor) comes in across the street and pays nothing,” said Wood.
Lunsford said he thinks competition is good, but everybody should have to play by the same rules.
“We’re all about safety, fun and enjoyment and doing things the right way and by the book. I’m not saying he’s not or anybody’s not. Hopefully, they carry the same stance we do,” he added.
Day, who worked for Phantom Fireworks corporate before becoming a seasonal vendor, said the fireworks stand approval process includes submitting an application, permit fee, proof of insurance and other paperwork to the county fire marshal. The stand is then inspected by the fire marshal, and, if approved, a permit is issued.
“I do not open till I have all the documentation,” he said.
Day said he’s submitted all the state-required paperwork and will soon have an inspection. He’ll be moving his stand farther down Maddox Drive to the McDonald’s parking lot this year.
“We’re very blessed to be able to set up in a better location this year,” he said.