The fireworks stand operated by Mercer Island Kiwanis, the Masonic Lodge and VFW — a Fourth of July tradition on the Island — opened for business June 28.

The stand is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It closes at 8:30 p.m. Monday, and is located in the Rite Aid parking lot on 78th Avenue Southeast. The three organizations use the fireworks sale as their primary fundraiser.

Fireworks may be legally purchased on Mercer Island only between June 28 and July 4, and the discharge of legal fireworks on Mercer Island is allowed on only one day: July 4, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Fireworks are prohibited in public parks and not allowed on school property or at school sponsored events. The Mercer Island Fire Department asks residents to visually inspect every firework they possess to make sure fireworks look “safe and sane” to use.

If fireworks look altered, illegal/or unsafe, call 9-1-1 and have the Fire Department or Police Department inspect the fireworks. Residents must also clean up all debris when finished.

City facilities, including City Hall and the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, will be closed July 4 for the holiday.

Residents are invited to attend the city’s fireworks show at Summer Celebration on Saturday, July 9, at 10:15 p.m. in Luther Burbank Park.

Click here for more on fireworks safety.