It wouldn't be fourth of July without fireworks, right?

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Every year in El Paso, fourth of July usually ends with fireworks, and usually in some of our favorite parks. However, every year, there's always some type of drama with fireworks on Independence Day.

Although  you cannot buy, possess, or shoot fireworks inside El Paso city limits –I mean, that’s never stopped anyone in my neighborhood, it looks like the county is following suit this year, and for good reason.

This year, the El Paso County Commissioner's Court voted to ban "skyrockets with sticks, or missiles with fins." What does that mean? "Skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins" are terms that typically refer to two different types of fireworks that are considered "aerial fireworks". So, the big ones!

Fireworks Light Up Skies Over New York City On The Fourth Of July
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If you still feel like getting sparkly for the holiday, the good news is that the ban does not included "permissible" fireworks, such as firecrackers!

Fireworks for the Fourth of July
Michael Smith
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So why the ban? The county's drought conditions are a major factor. We are in the desert and it super hot. One small mistake with a firework and it can do a lot of damage. Not to mention all the trash left behind by some- and all the terrified pets!

With drought conditions worsening, Doña Ana County will also be discussing and voting on a similar ban, and that ban would also include firecrackers.

Fireworks on fourth of July are epic, but is it really worth the risk? If you are caught with fireworks within city limits your fireworks will be confiscated and you will be issued a citation. Fines can go as high as $2,000.00. Maybe it's best to leave this one to the professionals, plus, we always know that the city will have several fireworks displays!

PICS: You Know You're in El Paso When You See...

There are so many places throughout the Borderland that as you look around you just know you’re here. Just for sharing your interpretation of “You know you’re in El Paso when you see…” you could win $1,000.

Share your vision, your humor, your admiration for what makes us unique. It could even end up in one of our “You Know you’re in El Paso when you see…” galleries.

Here are a few example of the sort of things we're looking for, but you should definitely get creative and try to find those iconic, weird, or wonderful things that are distinctly El Paso.

Gallery Credit: KLAQ

 

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