The application process for non-profits to secure one of coveted 14 permits to sell safe and sane fireworks in Manteca is now open.
Based on numbers provided by the two wholesale firms allowed to distribute fireworks in California, Manteca non-profits clear somewhere north of $250,000 a year from their booth sales.
Depending on a booth’s location, the net per organization varies from the mid thousands of dollars to more than $20,000.
The applications are available at the Public Safety Annex, 124 Sycamore Ave., in downtown.
They can also be obtained by emailing fire@mantecafire.org.
The completed applications must be returned by Friday, Dec. 6.
A lottery will be conducted Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. in the council chambers at 1001 W. Center St., to select the winners.
Rules forbid organizations entered in the lottery from having a fireworks booth for more than two consecutive years. They can participate in lotteries after a year’s break.
The city has capped permits to make it possible for organizations to have a decent chance at having a successful effort.
Originally, the city capped it at one booth per 5,000 residents.
But when other nearby cities starting allowing the sale of legal fireworks which in turn reduced sales at nonprofit booths in Manteca, city leaders declined to make more permits than the 14 available.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
