Why spend money on an expensive calendar, the type where we are reminded of the season with images of snow capped steeples, sunsets at the beach or an arrangement of pumpkins and corn stalks? 

Instead, take note of the roadside stands and you will know that the holidays are near when Christmas trees appear, Valentine's Day is close at hand when buckets of roses are for sale and Halloween is around the corner when pumpkins and corn stalks abound. Now that certain fireworks can be legally sold, the cycle of annual celebratory occasions is complete.

Because certain types of pyrotechnics were legalized in 2010, the result has been an almost literal explosion of tents and stands throughout the state. The aforementioned law, which was enacted in the waning days of the legislative session of 2010, allows the sale of certain fireworks to anyone who is old enough to drive a car.

As long as the device cannot shoot skyward like a rocket or explode with the power of a grenade, the 4th of July can be enjoyed without fear of breaking the law. No longer will residents risk arrest and can avoid driving the drive to New Hampshire or other states to pack a trunk full of incendiary devices which sizzle, sparkle or turn a yard into a smoky haze.

Some may take a look at ornate tents and displays and consider them to be a distraction or even a blight but the presence of these enterprises also suggests something more meaningful and symbolic of free enterprise and the great American success story. The willingness for small businesses to compete near or adjacent to the corporate giants is a very visible example of what makes our economy prosper.

Whenever there is a demand for goods and services individuals will make the effort to provide a supply to meet that demand, and based upon the number of vendors and retailers who sell fireworks, obviously that demand is great.