Red, yellow, white, and black circus-style tents with vendors selling fireworks have become very visible lately, reminding Greene Countians that Independence Day will be celebrated on Saturday, July 4, often with fireworks.

With the recession still being felt, some seasonal vendors have been concerned that potential consumers tightening their belts would not be buying as manu fireworks items as uusal.

Liberty Fireworks has lowered the price of fireworks to help financially struggling customers.

"We are selling fireworks 'buy one and get one free,' " said Dorothy Pruitt of Liberty Fireworks' Mosheim location by Food Country on U.S. 11-E.

However, most local fireworks dealers interviewed this week remain optimistic about how their sales will total.

"I've heard a lot of people say that they are staying at home this year rather than traveling," said fireworks vendor Rex Wilhoit at Boomland USA Fireworks located on 11-E past Chuckey-Doak Middle School.

Boomland has seasonal fireworks tents at multiple locations across East Tennessee.

The dealers' hope is that families will spend part of their travel money on at-home celebrations.

Steve Marquarbp, of America's Fireworks near the Mosheim Food Country on 11-E, who has been in the fireworks business for 15 years, is not at all worried about slumping sales, he said.

Sales were already higher Monday than they were last year around the same time, Marquarbp said.

He also cited early purchases of "big" items as a key indicator of a promising season.

"Big" purchases include packaged fireworks that can run anywhere from $30 to $200 and are usually purchased closer to Independence Day, said Marquarbp. The Mosheim location is one of three America's Fireworks tents in Greene County.

The cost of fireworks ranges from 15-cent champagne poppers to the $599 "The Biggen" at Gray's Fireworks at 7505 East Andrew Johnson Hwy.

Gray's Fireworks is unusual in that the seasonal fireworks vendor is housed in a permanent building.

Its popular items this year include "cakes" or "multi-shots." "Cakes" and "multi-shots" are multiple explosives housed in a brick-shaped shell wired to a single fuse.

Also a hot seller are "artillery shells." Some such shells can launch explosives 40 feet into the air and give a showering show comparable to professional display fireworks, according to Wilhoit.

Packages such as "The Biggen," "The Goliath," and "The Godfather" include multiple explosives designed to provide an all-in-one fireworks celebration. Most of the contents are varying-sized "cakes."

For those who celebrate with fireworks at home or at private parties, safety concerns should be central. Every year, fireworks lead to injuries (mainly burns) and brush fires.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety reminds people to follow all instructions that come with fireworks, keep water nearby in case of fire, and not let anyone under the influence of alcohol handle fireworks.

Consumers must be at least 16 years of age to purchase fireworks. Spectators should always be at a safe distance from the fireworks.

It is also important to follow all local laws regarding fireworks. Consumer fireworks are allowed in Greene County but are banned within the Greeneville and Tusculum municipal limits.

Many in Greeneville each year either ignore, or are unaware of, the fireworks ban, though they are potentially subject to fines.

The Town of Baileyton allows fireworks until 1 a.m. during the Fourth of July and New Year's. Fireworks are not allowed after 10 p.m. during the rest of the year.

For those who do not want the hassle and potential danger of amateur backyard celebrations, the Greeneville Astros will once again host Greeneville's annual fireworks display.

Following the game between the Astros and the Elizabethton Twins on Saturday night, fireworks coordinated with patriotic music will light up the stadium sky.

The Astros' Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration, sponsored by Landair and Marsh Petroleum, is the only professional display in Greene County.

Astros general manager David Lane said that last year's Greeneville display topped Johnson City's own Independence Day show.

"There were even letters-to-the-editor in Johnson City about Greeneville's fireworks display," Lane said.

Lane expects tickets to sell fast for the July 4 game and celebration. To purchase tickets to the Astros baseball game, call 638-0411.