Rizer Fireworks is a family-owned and run retail business that was established in 1984 by Clifton and Mary Rizer in Marienville. The couple opened their second location in Shinglehouse in 1997. As the small company continued to grow a third location was opened in Russell in 2004. The family has since opened another location in DuBois in May of 2022. Rizer Fireworks has been providing safe entertainment to our patrons for 41 years.
The company started from very humble beginnings, with the first year’s operations being held in a small rented building in Vowinckle. This temporary location was used while the ground for the permanent store in Marienville was being cleared for building.
In the early years of Rizer Fireworks, the company’s founders also were supplying 180 Sheetz stores with sparklers and novelty items from 1989 — 1995. From the company’s start in 1984 until the law changed in 2017, only out-of-state residents could purchase full line fireworks items; while Pennsylvania residents were restricted to novelties, fountains and sparklers.
Throughout the company’s 41 years, the fireworks industry has experienced major growth and change. Product quality and safety have continually evolved and improved with each passing year. The company has also been affected by the change in Pennsylvania’s fireworks law.
The original fireworks law in 1939, banned the use of aerial fireworks within Pennsylvania, and was overturned on October 30, 2017. This means that Pennsylvania residents are now legally permitted to purchase and use fireworks within the state according to the law.
In 2017, Rizer Fireworks operated five tent locations throughout the area in addition to their storefronts. The company only did this for the one year, as another Pennsylvania law changed, making it so that tents could only sell novelties, fountains and sparklers.
Rizer Fireworks has worked to establish and maintain relationships with the community . Mary Rizer participated in the entrepreneurial business leaders’ program at St. Joesph Elementary school. The program was designed to help 5th graders gain a deeper understanding of business and its operations. Rizer Fireworks in Marienville hosted the students for an educational field trip to the store as part of the experience.
In 2020, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Rizer Fireworks donated fireworks to North Clarion Jr/Sr High School for a special graduation ceremony to help the seniors create a special memory; after missing so many of the other activities that should be going on during senior year were cancelled or altered to accommodate COVID safety protocol.
Since the pandemic, the overall fireworks industry has been adapting to the changing and ongoing supply chain issues. Rizer Fireworks works to place orders earlier with suppliers to alleviate some of these pressures and to ensure that the shelves are filled with high quality fireworks for all their customers to enjoy! The 2025 season will debut over 30 new items in stores!
This year, the company looks to continue upgrading its technology with improvements to both the website and app, helping customers better access information and videos for our products. In addition to the technology boost, the company is working to become more active on their social media platforms; with a presence on YouTube, Facebook and now Instagram, fireworks enthusiasts are able to connect with the company easier and enjoy great fireworks content! Rizer Fireworks also has started a gift certificate program, the best possible gift for fireworks enthusiasts in your life!
Additionally, the company has made improvements at the Marienville location by redoing the floor in their retail space and pouring new sidewalks outside the store. The Shinglehouse location had improvements to the stores roof, including new metal in the fall. The company’s Russell location received an LED sign for promotional advertising in the spring of 2024. At the DuBois location, improvements have been made to the retail space by putting in a new floor.
Rizer Fireworks has been a member of the National Fireworks Association for 25 years and the Pennsylvania Pyrotechnics Association for 26 years. These organizations work to improve the overall fireworks industry’s safety standards, education access, and fair regulation at the national and state levels.
The company is now owned by Clifton and Mary Rizer, along with their daughter Christina (Rizer) Tepke and her husband, Jacob. Rizer Fireworks operates as a summer seasonal business and is open May through September, with the option to make appointments the rest of the year at any of the four locations.
Rizer Fireworks provides the public with access to fireworks products such as: rockets, firecrackers, fountains, parachutes, roman candles, mortar sets and repeater cakes. High quality products are imported from China for the best value and lowest prices. Rizer Fireworks offers a large selection of both ground and aerial display items, with sizes and prices to accommodate every celebration and budget. The company’s friendly and knowledgeable staff work to help families create their own perfect backyard experience!
“Our staff treats our customers like family because that is really important to us,” stated Christina, “we want to help make life long memories that include fireworks fun!”
Rizer Fireworks is also available for professional display shows for town festivals, weddings, birthdays, retirements, graduations and other events. Over the past 41 years the company has provided these services for events such as: the Marienville 4th of July Celebration, Smethport Summer Festival, Horsethief’s Days in Knox, Potter County Fair, St. Mary Church Picnic in Crown, Girl Scout Camp, Community Days in Rural Valley, Mayfest in Fryburg and Light Up Night in Leeper.
Rizer Fireworks is excited to offer the most Buy 1, Get 2 Free deals in-store anywhere! In-store bonuses also add value to the shopping experience. Additional early-bird specials run through Father’s Day. For an unforgettable experience, visit Rizer Fireworks. They are located at 40147 Route 66 in Marienville and are open from May to September. Call 814-316-1183 or visit www.rizerfireworks.com. Rizer Fireworks can be found in the app store; you can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Those at Rizer Fireworks would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the family, friends, customers, business and colleagues that have supported us along the way! Rizer Fireworks is a success because of all of you, and we look forward to continuing to provide safe, quality backyard entertainment!
