For those who want their annual dose of “snap,” “crackle” and “pop” this Fourth of July, you can now make your way to area fireworks vendors.

In 2002, Minnesota legalized non-explosive and non-aerial fireworks, which are now available at stores and outdoor stands.

Sterling Main Street opened its tent sale Friday in the parking lot. Staff have endured the 90-degree heat to stock a wide variety of fireworks, from 29-cent Rattler Colored Snakes in bins to assortment packs of more than $150.

Sterling general manager Jessica Jenkins said what sells depends on who’s buying.

“The little kid will get to pick out $10 worth of stuff,” she said. However, they sold out last year of Party Pacs and other assortments, which are usually purchased by adults who want more bang for their buck. Sterling plans to sell fireworks for about a week and a half, until July 5.

“After the (Fourth of July) weekend, it really dies down” Jenkins said.

Sterling buys their fireworks from a distributor in the Twin Cities area who has them shipped from overseas. Their stand is open 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sundays.

Sterling staff must unload all their fireworks into an enclosed building each night and restock them the next morning to prevent theft.

Mower County Chief Deputy Mark May said fireworks-related crimes are typically minimal in the Austin area.

“It just depends form year to year,” he said. “Yes, we’ve had problems in the past in the City of Austin and small communities. The noise is the biggest issue.”

Illegal fireworks are more likely to produce louder noises, but May cannot recall issuing any citations for possession of the illegal kinds. Neighbors often report fireworks noises causing a disturbance at night, which can lead to other charges.

“They could go with a gamut of other charges,” May said. “Noise ordinance, disorderly conduct if at night.”

May said he seldom receives reports of fireworks-related injuries.

According to the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division, 64 fireworks injuries were reported statewide between June and July 2008; 36 percent (23 incidents) were sustained by people ages 10-19.

Effective in 2002, Minnesota permits sale, possession and use of non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks, including:

Wire or wood sparklers

Cylindrical fountains

Cone fountains

Illuminating torches

Wheels

Ground spinners

Flitter sparklers

Flashes/strobes

Novelty items, like snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers and snappers

Fireworks illegal to sell, possess or use in Minnesota include:

Any size of firecrackers

Sky rockets

Bottle rockets

Helicopters, planes, aerial spinners and UFOs

Roman candles

Mines and shells

Chasers

Aerial shells

Missile-type rockets and sky rockets

Parachutes

Theatrical pyrotechnics

1.3G display fireworks