Hilarious Video Shows Wyoming Does Fireworks Better Than Colorado
It's no secret that every 4th of July, Coloradoans leave the borders of their Chaco-wearing, Subaru-loving state for the wilder expanses of Wyoming. We see your green license plates, folks. We know why you're here.
You're here for our fireworks.
Yes, Wyomingites are well aware of Colorado residents hopping state lines to purchase screamers and canons and all other manners of fireworks that shoot into the air before eliciting a big ole', Freedom-loving' BOOM!
You see, it's illegal to let loose any firecrackers that fly into the air back in the land of Greenies (I say with love because my mom lives in Colorado. Yes, I give her endless grief about it. Yes, she gives me endless grief about Wyoming.)
Fireworks illegal in Colorado include firecrackers, rockets (including bottle rockets), Roman candles, cherry bombs, mortars, and similar items, such as M-80s. Here in Laramie County (as long as you're in the county and not the city-proper...), we call those child's play.
So, in Fort Collins and other nearby cities in Colorado, folks are stuck with, er...less explosive varietals of firecrackers to celebrate the 4th of July. Sparklers, little tanks that shoot tiny sparks, those weird snake things that look like something a dog leaves in the grass (you know it's true...) are the fireworks of choice in the Centennial State.
We are much more cavalier about it here in Wyoming. There's not a state-wide ordinance on Fireworks. Instead, counties dictate where and when fireworks are allowed. In Albany County, the rules are pretty simple - provided you aren't on state land (i.e., a state park) or in city limits - go for it, shoot off those canons and screamers. The same goes for Laramie County - no big boom sticks in the city, but rockets are fair game in the county.
Note: Check county rules before shooting off fireworks. Click here for Albany County Fireworks regulations. Click here for Laramie County Fireworks regulations.
One Youtuber/TikTok star masterfully, if not a bit satirically, captured the rules and attitudes of both states perfectly in his most recent video. Prepare yourself for LOLs...and make sure you're sitting down - this video may have you falling out of your seat!
I mean, it seems pretty accurate. Wearing a cowboy hat and shooting off dozens of fireworks at once? Sounds about right. Also, naming kids Cody and Cheyenne? Yeah, that's Wyoming.
As for Colorado...yeah. Sparklers and a kid named Chaco? Sounds about right.
For real, though, as you set out for your 4th of July adventures (whether you're from Colorado or not,) make sure you follow fireworks safety. Here are some tips from the National Safety Council:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
Find more safety tips by visiting the National Safety Council's Fireworks Safety page here.