How to use fireworks safely and legally this Fourth of July

Independence Day is nearly here, hot dogs are being prepped, and people are sporting their best red, white, and blue. In addition to the annual parades, marching bands, and afternoon barbecues, many people will be stopping by the red-and-white-striped fireworks tents set up outside the Walmarts and roadside turnoffs of the United States.

Under these circus-like canopies, vendors can sell anything from sparklers and ground spinners to bottle rockets and spark-spraying fountains — all available for purchase by eager, patriotic Americans.