Fireworks vendors promise to light up NMI skies

A leading fireworks maker in China has entered the CNMI for the first time this year to bring its “most amazing, incredible, and powerful” products in time for tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“We are the name you can trust when it comes to fireworks,” Dragon Fireworks manager Franco Hui proudly said yesterday.

He said Dragon Fireworks, an international distributor of firework products, has set up seven outlets throughout Saipan, mostly along Beach Road.

Dragon Fireworks is brought to Saipan by the Sun Leader store.

“We have a full selection of fireworks from small and medium, to big [ones],” said Hui.

He said the most in demand are the big ones such as cake, fountain, rocket, and Roman candles. Also popular are firecrackers and kids items.

Prices range from 75 cents each to as high as $250.

“The bigger the size, the more beautiful and more powerful it is,” said Hui, adding that some of the fireworks have as much as 130 shots per unit.

“I can guarantee you that it’s more beautiful than what you’ve probably seen on island. We are known for the best quality products in fireworks,” said Hui.

He said his company would be providing the fireworks for the inauguration ceremony on Jan. 10 at American Memorial Park.

“We’ll do fireworks display for the governor’s inauguration,” he said.

In view of the current economic slowdown, Hui said that Dragon Fireworks has come up with customer appreciation promo wherein customers who buy a minimum of $51 worth of fireworks will get prizes that include hair dryers, telephones, rice, iron, rice cookers, DVD players, bikes, and bush cutters.

Rabby Syed of Mad Lion Fireworks said that customers can choose from a variety of products from his store located outside Dolphin in San Jose.

“We’ve got the best offer on island with our buy one, take one free,” said Syed, who sells the products with his wife and three young girls.

He said Mad Lion products are popular in the U.S. and New Zealand, with prices that range from $1.99 to $79.

“It’s very affordable. Most of all, we’ve got products specially designed for children,” he said.

He said these products are safe for kids to use. These include “plane drop parachute, fountain, sunburst, and lotus flower.”

“They have enjoyable light. Some have only light sound, just enough for small children,” said Syed.

Mad Lion carries popular items like Ninja, Giant, and “patriotic” names such as American Style and Freedom Forever, which has 32 shots.

Each shot has a different color, he said.

Freedom Forever costs $50.

“These are beautiful!” he said.

Mad Lion also carries Super-Charged Flashlight Crackers, which has 8,000 shots and lasts for nearly an hour.

Syed said his prices are relatively cheap to allow more people to buy his products.

“We want people to enjoy and greet the New Year with fireworks. It’s for everybody’s happiness,” he said.

Most importantly, he said he makes sure to remind buyers to strictly follow the instructions on the labels to ensure safety.

“The safety instruction is printed on the label such as it can only be done under close supervision of adults,” he said.

Syed said he has been on Saipan for 10 years and began selling fireworks during the Christmas holiday since four years ago.

Meantime, Ana Chan of Double Luck in Garapan said she has been selling fireworks for two years now.

Her store sells Dragon Fireworks this year.

“It’s an exciting moment for Saipan to celebrate New Year. It’s good that we enjoy this time with fireworks,” she said.