Displays had been illegal in Buckeye State since at least 1972

Displays had been illegal in Buckeye State since at least 1972

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Displays had been illegal in Buckeye State since at least 1972

During a visit to Rozzi Famous Fireworks in Loveland, Lauren Snowden stocked up on things her husband will soon make go boom.

"I called and asked what he wanted and he told me to go nuts, so I did," Snowden said. "It's fun."

For Snowden, fireworks and family go hand-in-hand.

"Me and my husband got married eight years ago, and Rozzi actually came out and did fireworks for our wedding," she said.

Now, for the first time in at least a half-century, adults in Ohio can send colorful and powerful fireworks skyward, if the city or county they live in allows it.

"The law is making it more comfortable for people to buy fireworks and, you know, shoot them off in their yard and not have any problems," Nancy Rozzi said.

The law that Rozzi, who's part of the Rozzi fireworks family, is talking about was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine last fall.

Rozzi said it lets Ohio cities and towns decide if residents, 18 and older, can launch what is called 'consumer fireworks' into the air during certain holidays, including the Fourth of July.

In the past, only things like sparklers, snaps and snakes have technically been allowed.

"I think it's fun," Snowden said. "(It) just gives us a select time that we can safely and legally set up fireworks and to celebrate Fourth of July. My husband was very excited about the new law."

Critics worry more explosive fireworks could lead to more injuries.

Some cities, including Cincinnati and Cleveland, still have a ban on igniting consumer-grade explosives.

Rozzi wonders if all prohibitions will eventually fall by the wayside, considering how Ohio's fireworks rules have evolved.

"I joke about it. I was selling fireworks out of a closet. Now we're out in the open and now it's legal," Rozzi said. "So I guess it's a good thing."

WLWT investigator Todd Dykes asked a spokesman for Ohio's Fire Marshal if there's a list of towns and cities where powerful fireworks will be legal starting Friday.

Dykes was told, "unfortunately, we do not track which political subdivisions are opting out or further restricting fireworks."

The bottom line: check your local laws to see what's allowed and what's not.

Ohio's new fireworks law calls for retailers to provide customers with safety glasses for free or at a small charge.

Licensed fireworks stores are also required to include safety pamphlets with each sale.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.