The perennial game of fireworks enforcement Whac-A-Mole was back this July 4th holiday season.

Within the City of Bentonville, fireworks are only allowed on July 3 and 4 each year, between the hours of 12 p.m. and 12 a.m.

Still, residents reported fireworks outside the permitted window. Between June 30 and July 2, Bentonville Police responded to 11 fireworks calls. In the six days following the permitted fireworks period, police responded to an additional 21 calls, with the vast majority of them on July 5.

It’s a problem that occurs every year, Chief Ray Shastid said. Enforcement is tricky. Officers respond to calls when available, but they tend to approach the issue from an educational, not punitive, standpoint, he said.

One source of confusion, according to city planning director Tyler Overstreet, is that local fireworks stands are open for business before and after the designated days. That might give the impression it’s legal to launch fireworks outside the allowed dates.

Bentonville’s city limits form an irregular shape, with several pockets that haven’t been annexed into the city.

Even though many fireworks stands feel like they’re in Bentonville, all but one are actually outside city limits, limiting the City’s authority. That also means some complaints may come from areas beyond the jurisdiction of the Bentonville Police Department.

City Council members and staff said they may ask fireworks stands to post signage next year explaining Bentonville’s rules.