Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 23, 1990 TAG: 9007210181
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As I sat enjoying the brilliant fireworks display, I couldn't help wondering how this display could be presented after reading your article stating that "fireworks are illegal," and "any airborn fireworks or bangers are illegal," and "none are permitted on city streets or public property."
I believe the stadium is owned by the city is public property. I think that an explanation as to why fireworks displays are permitted anywhere if they are illegal would make an interesting subject for a future column. - C.E., Roanoke
A: The column referred to the private use of fireworks. Virginia law makes provisions for municipalities and organizations to conduct public displays of fireworks.
Music For Americans, the fireworks you referred to, is sponsored by the Roanoke Times & World-News for a public display.
"The code is explicit on how you gauge what is public and what is private," said Roanoke city Deputy Fire Marshal David Rickman. "To have a public display, an organization or municipality must obtain a permit and have adequate insurance covering the display itself. And that runs into big bucks."
\ Toy recall
\ The cymbals on about 9,200 Sesame Street Rhythm Band sets will be replaced because a New York toy company says the parts pose a choking hazard for small children.
LEWCO Corp. said it would offer to replace the Oscar the Grouch cymbals for its model 3553 band sets because "the heads detached from the cymbals" and fail the Consumer Product Safety Commission's small-parts test.
The sets consist of a drum, drum sticks, maracas, slide whistle, tambourines and the cymbals. Only the cymbals are subject to the replacement program, the company said.
There have been no injuries reported involving the sets but consumers should discard the original cymbals and contact LEWCO Corp., 1107 Broadway-Suite 905, New York, N.Y., 10010 for replacements.
In a similar action, another toy manufacturer recalled 2,364 dolls because various body parts detach easily and present a choking hazard to young children.
Allen-Lewis Manufacturing Co. of Denver, Colo., said its "Cutie Kid" dolls were sold or distributed as free premiums since 1989. The 6-inch dolls came with pacifiers and are dressed in a pink or blue two-piece pajama outfit. The cardboard headers on the clear plastic bags packaging are labeled "Cutie Kid Made in China."
Consumers should keep the dolls away from young children and contact Frank Garlett at (800) 525-6658 for more information.
by CNB