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Are Fireworks Punks Made out of Camel Poop?

I can't tell you how many times the conversation has come up over the years. July 4th in South Dakota comes around and someone invariably spouts off, hey did you know that the punk you use to light fireworks are made out of camel poop?

Yeah. Sure. Whatever.

Since we're coming up on the biggest weekend of summer I thought I'd check. When in doubt, surf the internet right? According to Wikipedia, it's just a stick, some sawdust, potassium nitrate, and a binder.

The stick part of the incense-looking things is often made of bamboo. But, no animal droppings are used.

So, camel poop? Not so much.

NEED TO KNOW: Sioux Falls 4th of July Fireworks Display, Parade, Picnic, and More

I remember learning about how the old-timers would use dried-up cow pies to start a fire. I don't know about you, but eating a can of beans warmed up over a fire started with a bovine turd is kind of a turn-off. But hey, if you need to start a fire, you do what you gotta do.

INFO: South Dakota Fireworks Laws, Displays, and Safety Tips

Punk is a pretty cool word. it's a word that can be used quite a few ways.] besides describing a fireworks lighting stick.

a: a young inexperienced person: beginner, novice; especially: a young man

b: a usually petty gangster, hoodlum, or ruffian

Those, I'm pretty much up to speed with.

Happy Fourth of July!

32 Things to Do in Sioux Falls This Summer That Are Absolutely Free!

Sure, there are tons of things to do in the Sioux Empire every summer, but if your entertainment budget is small (or zero), we have the solution - actually, we have lots of solutions.

Here is a list of family-friendly (and some, just adult-friendly) events happening this summer in the Sioux Falls area that you should check out. Oh, the best part, everything on this list is FREE.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

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