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YYB fireworks safe and sane

Have a 'safe and sane' Fourth of July

By Mike Hackworth

(Updated: Thursday, July 03, 2008, 6:19 PM)

"Fireworks are our main fundraiser for the Yosemite Youth basketball program," Rick Slayton, president of YYB said.

"We have paid for equipment for the sales, a credit card machine, rental trailers, insurance and permits and we don't really want to forfeit that expense. The fireworks booth is on Avenue 12 near Madera Ranchos.

The majority of Fourth of July fires are caused by illegal fireworks and 'safe and sane' fireworks when they are used improperly.

Safe and sane fireworks have the state fire marshal's seal and when ignited, do not move across the ground, fly into the air or explode in any way.

Illegal fireworks include bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers.

"We are all concerned with the weather and the dryness of the vegetation," Slayton said. "So we encourage the people who buy our legal fireworks to use them properly in a safe environment."

Since 2001, the Yosemite Girls Basketball Club has sold fireworks to support the program, which has now grown to include four teams. A 9-year-old and under team was formed last year.

"We have raised more than $40,000 since we started the club back in 2001," Slayton said. "This is not our only fundraising event, but it is certainly our largest."

"The girls who play on a team in the program gain valuable experience," Slayton said. "When the teams travel to tournaments and camps they learn to not only sharpen their basketball skills, but also learn to interact with kids from all walks of life."

"Katie Menton, Kristen Slayton, Emily Richie and Trish O'Neill started in the program, and now almost all of the girls on the school teams have had their beginning in youth basketball," Slayton concluded.

"We raise about $7,000 a year selling the fireworks."

Notes

Illegal fireworks devices are the true danger, spokesman for the state Department of Forestry and Fire Daniel Berlant said. For more information on fireworks go to: http://www.ca-fireworks.com

It is unlawful for any person to offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail or use or discharge any fireworks in the unincorporated area of Madera County east of the Madera Canal.