Sanborn, Iowa — With the new fireworks bill signed into law by Governor Branstad, for the first time in nearly 80 years, it will be legal to buy and sell consumer-grade fireworks in Iowa. And one business near Sanborn is among the first in northwest Iowa to announce they are going to sell fireworks.
Jay and Amy Solsma, owners of Solsma’s Punkin Patch, are expanding at their current location at 6190 320th Street — four miles east of Sanborn. In addition to their lineup of other products, they will also be selling fireworks this year.
Kiana Johnson, the O’Brien County Economic Development Director says that the Solsmas are receiving financing help through the O’Brien County Economic Development and Sanborn Electric and Telecommunications Utility Revolving Loan Funds. She says the revolving loan funds from O’Brien County Economic Development and the one from Sanborn Electric and Telecommunications Utility are used to attract, retain or expand Business and Industry.
Amy Solsma tells us where they got the idea to sell fireworks at Solsma’s Punkin Patch.
She tells us reaction from the public has been overwhelmingly positive when they hear the Solsma’s are going to sell fireworks.
She says that all fireworks retailers in the state are still waiting for approval from the Fire Marshal’s office.
Solsma says they will have a wide selection of consumer fireworks available.
She notes that the big type of fireworks done by professionals as part of town celebrations are another class of fireworks, that’s not covered by this new law, and that the procedures for those are the same as they have been in the past.
Solsma says they intend on being open for fireworks sales every day that the new law allows.
She says not only are they excited to be able to sell fireworks, they’re happy to help the State of Iowa keep the tax money within the state instead of it all going to South Dakota.
Solsma’s Punkin Patch sells their beef and popcorn year-around and when fall gets closer, they have pumpkins, gourds, and squash. They also sell honey, cupcakes, wine, apples, home décor and more during certain times of the year. And again, they’ll sell fireworks now from June 1st through July 8th, and from December 10th through January 3rd.
