As the Fourth of July approaches, so does an annual problem: Some people enjoy fireworks, and some don’t.

Most people enjoy the big fireworks displays, and those who don’t can avoid them. Kenosha’s fireworks display and similar ones in other municipalities are scheduled events. If you don’t like crowds or you don’t like the noise or the gunpowder smell that comes along with fireworks, don’t go. Even people living close to the harbor could avoid Kenosha’s fireworks by going away for the evening. Big, professionally staged fireworks shows rarely cause problems.

It’s the unscheduled, amateur displays that aggravate a lot of people. The noise bothers people, especially people who are trying to sleep. It also causes anxiety for many pets, especially dogs. The carelessness displayed by some people shooting off fireworks in their back yards also causes anxiety for some of their neighbors, and with good reason. It’s not unusual for fireworks to cause fires when they are used recklessly.

Police do issue tickets, but vendors seem to discover new customers every year.

Fireworks can be exciting and fun — for the people who are shooting them off or watching. For others they are just loud and annoying.

Since the confusing laws aren’t much help to those who’d like relief from the explosions surrounding July Fourth celebrations, a little common sense and even some courtesy would help.

In the interest of being neighborly, here are some things fireworks fans should avoid: n Sending rockets over the house next door or the garage.n Surprising people who aren’t watching or expecting your fireworks display. Explosive noises frighten people who aren’t expecting them.n Shooting off fireworks after the bars close.

That really isn’t much to ask.