Fireworks sales help nonprofits

If you’re driving around town, you may notice the colorful booths.

Costa Mesa is one of five Orange County cities that allow fireworks sales. The city has 35 booths selling fireworks for nonprofit programs that benefit youth and other causes.

“If we didn’t have it, we wouldn’t have the marching program we have today,” said Laura Telles, who runs the fireworks booth for the Costa Mesa High School Marching Band and Color Guard.

The groups that sell them split the revenues with the fireworks companies that provide them with the merchandise.

Lisa Levanas was one of the residents who stopped at the Newport Harbor High School Girls’ Basketball booth to buy fireworks for her family and neighbors.

“I try to support the high school teams through it,” she said.

Levanas and her husband, Greg, bought all sort of fireworks from killer bees to electric shock fountains. By now, they are all set for their front yard BBQ and fireworks party on the Fourth.

Costa Mesa recently voted to extend the sale of fireworks by one hour on July 4. Fireworks can be sold from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 1 to 3 and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 4, said Tom Hatch, Costa Mesa assistant city manager.