Before using sparklers at any type of event, safety should be a huge factor. When used properly, they are incredibly fun and safe for people of nearly all age groups. However, very young children may have a difficult time using them safely. To help, many people turn to items that will buffer their child’s hand from the sparkler to reduce the risks. There are a lot of different items that people consider, but can you hold a sparkler with a carrot safely? How does it work and can you still eat the carrot afterwards? Here is everything you need to know before you grab your favorite go-to root vegetable and give it a try.
Which Sparklers Work Best with a Carrot?
First off, you need to start by choosing the right sparkler for this type of situation. Ultimately, you only need to focus on two aspects; size and construction material. As far as size, suggest going no shorter than 10 inches and no longer than 20 inches. This is the best way to ensure you can have a safe experience. For construction material, steel wire sparklers are better than wooden sparklers for a variety of reasons. Mainly, they are easier to get the handle inserted into the carrot without snapping. Additionally, you won’t have any risk of the handle snapping and falling into your child’s lap.
Choosing the Right Size and Shape of Carrot
If you plan to hold a sparkler with a carrot, you need to choose the right size and shape. Ideally, you want one that is as straight as possible before you trim and shape it. Additionally, the prefect length is around6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long. This will give you a good amount of buffer and ensure the carrot will remain cool while keeping the entire assembly agile. There are a lot of different types of carrots, but almost all of them should work just fine within these criteria. If you choose wisely, it will make the experience much safer while still maintaining the look and feel of holding the sparkler in your bare hand.
How to Hold a Sparkler with a Carrot
Holding a sparkler using a carrot can be a fun and creative way to celebrate an event. Furthermore, it is much safer than holding them in your bare hands! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely.
Gather Your Materials
There are a few things you need in order to do the job right. Here is a list of things you’ll need for this project.
- Sparkler
- Carrot
- Knife or sharp tool
- Disposable Lighter or a Butane Sparkler Torch (for lighting it)
Steps to Assemble and Enjoy the Show
Once you have your supplies, you can prepare the carrot and enjoy the show. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get everything put together correctly.
- Choose a Suitable Carrot: Select a carrot that is straight and relatively uniform in thickness. A thicker carrot may work better for this purpose.
- Wash it Thoroughly: Rinse the carrot under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
- Trim the Excess: Using a knife or a sharp tool, trim the carrot to your desired length. The length of the carrot should be long enough to hold the sparkler comfortably without your hand getting too close to the flame. Aim for a length of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
- Create a Hole for the Sparkler: At one end of the carrot, carefully carve a small hole that is just wide enough to securely hold the sparkler. Be cautious while doing this to avoid cutting yourself.
- Insert the Sparkler: Gently insert the sparkler into the hole you created in the carrot. Make sure it is secure and doesn’t wobble. The sparkler should stand upright in the carrot.
- Light the Sparkler: Use a lighter or torch to light the sparkler. Hold the carrot at the unlit end, away from the flame, to prevent burning yourself. Ensure that the sparkler is ignited safely.
- Enjoy the Show: Once it is lit, you can wave it around and enjoy the sparkling display while holding onto the carrot handle. Be cautious not to let the sparkler come into contact with anything flammable or your skin.
- Extinguish it Afterwards: When the sparkler has burned out, carefully extinguish it by placing the burning end in a bucket of water or a container of sand. Allow it to cool completely before disposing of it safely.
Creating a Sparkler Centerpiece with a Carrot Base
If you would rather use your wedding sparklers in a centerpiece for your tables, you can easily modify the carrot to be more stable. Using a sharp knife, simply shave off slices from one side to make it flat. Then, when you place it on a table, it won’t rock or tip during the performance. Then, just add a hole for however many sparklers you plan to use in the centerpiece. Slip the wire handle into each hole, and you have a beautiful creation for your tables! Just be sure to light them away from your guests so you can avoid any injuries or mishaps.
Is it Safe for Kids to Hold a Sparkler with a Carrot?
All parents want to keep their children safe, and so it’s natural to be reluctant to use sparklers. However, as long as you protect your child’s hands while using sparklers adequately, there is no reason for concern. In my opinion, choosing to hold a sparkler with a carrot is one of the easiest and safest options available. Most people already have carrots sitting in their crisper drawer. Additionally, children are familiar with them so they aren’t anything new. When you add all of these things together, it is a clear winner in the category of safety.
Can You Eat the Carrot Afterwards?
Lastly, a lot of people ask about whether or not you can eat the vegetable afterwards. This is a fair question considering you light sparklers on fire in order to enjoy them. However, all of our sparklers for weddings are made without chlorates or perchlorates; meaning they shouldn’t tarnish the food in any way. Furthermore, as long as you only stick the handle in a little bit, the performance happens far enough away from the flesh of the carrot to make this a non-issue. So, after the show, your kids can enjoy a tasty and nutritious snack as well!
No matter how you plan to keep your children safe, the main factor is creating a buffer between them and the sparkler. Personally, I love carrots because they are so readily available and affordable. Additionally, they can become a healthy snack for your kids after the show is over. When you stack these things together, I fully endorse the choice to hold a sparkler with a carrot instead of doing it bare-handed. Good luck and thanks for reading!
