Roman candles, sparklers and fountains: Here is a look at different types of fireworks

Everyone knows that Fourth of July means the night sky will be filled with the colorful (and loud) fireworks.

But all those sparks, which take different shapes and color as they explode in the air, are not exactly one and the same.

There are several types of fireworks that produce the various effects we see, including rockets, Roman candles, sparklers and several others.

In Volusia County, fireworks stores ensure there are plenty for customers to choose from when Fourth of July and other holidays come around.

Although fireworks specialists can put on impressively choreographed shows, everyone can (responsibly) join in the fun.

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Here is a look at the different types of fireworks and where you can find them in the Daytona Beach area.

Rockets

According to Phantom Fireworks in Daytona Beach, "rockets are actually one of the most recognizable and one of the oldest types of fireworks."

They are attached to a tube with a fin or a stick that shoots up producing a variety of effects, like whistles, bands, crackles and stars. They travel high up in the air (stronger ones can go as high as 196 feet) before loudly exploding into a single color of sparkles.

Phantom Fireworks in Daytona Beach has several rocket options, from simpler ones at $2.99 to more elaborate at $89.99.

The store is located at 1226 S. Atlantic Ave. and is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Roman candles

Roman candles are tubes, "typically made out of cardboard, which shoot out comets, stars and other various effects," according to Phantom Fireworks.

Unlike rockets, their sparks can consist of multiple colors, although pairing the two together can be done.

Phantom Fireworks’ options range from $5.99 roman candle with five shots, to more expensive ones (up to $79.99) that have between 80 and 200 shots.

Wheels

Wheel fireworks consist of a disc, to which several rocket-like propellants are attached, making the disc spin around creating flames or sparks when lit, according to Phantom Fireworks website.

They are also known as “Catherine Wheels” – named after “St. Catherine who, according to legend, was to be martyred upon a spinning wheel,” according to Dragon Fireworks, a fireworks store in England.

The Daytona Beach store’s wheel firework is called Hypnotica Wheel ($54.99), which consists of a “mesmerizing, brilliant red to blue core wheel with silver shower.”

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Fountain

Also a non-aerial firework, fountains come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are a great option for those who are not fans of the loud bangs.

“When the fuse is lit, fountains will emit a shower of colorful sparks and can make whistling or crackling noises,” according to Phantom Fireworks. “Most last a long time and different components create the varying colors and effects.”

The ones for sale at the local store range from the $4.99 cones to the $109.99 Phantom Crown Jewel Fountain.

Sparklers

Considered the “staple of Fourth of July,” sparklers are “wires layered with pyrotechnic composition that can be stuck into the ground” or handheld, according to Phantom Fireworks.

They also range in size, emit different colored sparks and can be part of other fireworks assortments.

These can be very cheap at the Daytona Beach store, from the $1.99 for the Pyro-Punk sparkler (which can last up to two hours) to the $16.99 Gold Sparkler pack, which includes 12 boxes with six sparklers each.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Fourth of July fireworks offer something for everyone