The Lake Placid Athletic Association may have walked away with one of the biggest wins of the night Monday as the Town of Lake Placid approved Big Bang Fireworks’ request to continue seasonal fireworks sales at Royal Oaks Shopping Plaza — along with a community commitment that could directly benefit local student athletes.
The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a five-year special exception allowing Big Bang Fireworks to continue operating a temporary fireworks tent at the plaza near U.S. 27. The approval covers two seasonal sales periods each year and includes operational conditions related to safety, parking, signage, lighting, security, and site maintenance.
But the strongest comments of the evening centered less on fireworks sales and more on community investment.
Speaking on behalf of the Lake Placid Athletic Association, Will Greer told board members that owner Justin Driggers has committed to donating 10 percent of all Lake Placid tent sales proceeds back to the organization. The association supports middle and high school athletic programs, helping cover expenses such as equipment, referees, transportation, and scholarships for graduating seniors.
“This is more than a business request,” Greer said during public comment. “It’s a community partnership.”
Greer explained that every purchase made at the tent would help fund opportunities for local students and athletes, calling it “an investment in our youth.”
The comments were echoed by local teacher Toya Addison, who said she has worked for Big Bang Fireworks for 15 years as a side job during school breaks. Addison told the board that many of the employees are local teachers, parents, and community members, and that the company consistently reinvests in the area.
Town Planner Dana Ridell noted that the company had remained compliant during last year’s operation, which helped support the recommendation for a longer five-year approval rather than the one-year term granted previously. The tent location has also shifted slightly within the shopping plaza to avoid conflicts with future development and traffic concerns tied to the upcoming Watermill Express installation.
Attorney Rich Irvin, representing Big Bang Fireworks, told the board the company has operated in the Lake Placid area for more than 20 years and employs local residents, including teachers and firefighters. He described the business as heavily focused on safety, planning, and code compliance.
Board members ultimately approved the request unanimously, including continued use of a storage container on site.
