`Quake, The Big One,' is coming. This quake, however, can't be measured on the Richter scale.

"That's the name of a new fireworks item for this season," said E. C. Younghouse. "It's noisy and pretty."

The `Quake' is one of several new items that will be available at retail fireworks facilities throughout Southeast Missouri through the first week of July, said Younghouse of Younghouse Distribution Co. Inc., Interstate 55 and Highway 74. "We feel some of the new items will be big sellers between now and July 4."

The Younghouse firm, which sells fireworks retail and wholesale throughout a 100-mile area, said the list of fireworks is a lengthy one this year.

"There are a number of multi-shot items on the market this year," said Younghouse. "There

are more than 250 different items available. That represents between 15 to 20 percent increases over the items of 1990."

Among the new items are the Flying Dragon-Jumping Tiger, a Red Devil Firecracker, and the Ferris Wheel.

"The Chinese introduced fireworks to the world," he said. "Each year they come up with new novelties. We feel the Ferris Wheel will be a big seller. It's made of cardboard and wire and the wheel turns."

Younghouse said the old standbys, Black Cat and Thunder Bomb firecrackers, were still available but that a new brand, Red Devil, will make its appearance this year.

"We still have two or three of last year's biggest sellers," he said in reference to the Patriot Missile, the Stealth Rocket and the Scudbuster Rockets.

This year's fireworks stands will also have a number of "family assortments."

Assortments will be available for families with younger children. They will contain sparklers, fountains and snakes. The larger packs will have an assortment of rockets and other aerial fireworks.

"We're looking to a big year," said Younghouse. "July 4 falls on Saturday and some people will have a short vacation. The weather has been good for fireworks, too."

Younghouse said the weather was an important element for fireworks.

In cases of extreme drought conditions, county and city officials have discouraged the use of fireworks. "But we've had some wet weather and everything is looking good. With all the new items, I think this will be a great fireworks year."

Fireworks stand operators agree.

"I think we'll have a good season again," said Mary Ann Hoffman. "We've had fireworks sales facilities for a number of years and each year has been better than the last," she said.

No less than seven Hoffman fireworks stands can be found in Southeast Missouri.

Rick and Mary Ann Hoffman operate five facilities in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Chaffee, Advance and Scott City.

"Rick's brother, Dave Hoffman, operates two stands, at Perryville and Ste. Genevieve," said Mary Ann Hoffman.

The Hoffmans' Cape Girardeau operations, situated in Town Plaza Shopping area, opened Saturday.

"We opened three of our stands Saturday," said Mary Hoffman. "Different communities have different times for selling fireworks."

State and county dates for selling fireworks are from June 20 to July 10 and Dec. 10 to Jan. 5.

"Each incorporated town, however, may establish its own selling dates within the state dates," said Harold D. Kuehle, Cape Girardeau County collector. "State, county and city licenses are required for those operating fireworks stands."

In Cape Girardeau, fireworks sales are permitted from June 20 through July 4. Jackson limits its sale period to July 1-7, and Scott City permits sales July 1-5.

"We're selling at Chaffee, Cape Girardeau and Advance now," said Mary Hoffman. "We'll open in Jackson and Scott City as soon as the law allows."

She said she expected good sales activity with some of the new items.

"We have fireworks 3-D glasses," she said. "This is our first year for these. We're also looking for good activity with the Ferris Wheel and Hand Blasters.

"There's just something about the Fourth of July," said Mary Hoffman. "People look forward to celebrating the holiday, which comes during the middle of the summer. It all combines with patriotism, and has become a traditional fireworks holiday."

The Hoffmans employ about 20 to 25 persons during their 15-day retail run, including four of their children. "Lisa, Julie, Chris and Laura all help out in the business," she said.

Another retail fireworks operation that provides employment to more than 30 persons during the sales season is Kinder Enterprises.

Dave and Sandy Kinder operate a total of 12 fireworks stands from Poplar Bluff to Festus, including four in Cape Girardeau. The Kinders have been operating fireworks stands for 25 years.

"It may be too early to make any predictions at this point," said Dave Kinder, who was putting finishing touches on his operation at Schnucks parking lot Saturday. "But we had a lot of people here Saturday. We sold a lot of firecrackers and bottle rockets."

As many as 12 locations opened fireworks sales in Cape Girardeau, hoping to add a sparkle to the city's economy. Vendors in Cape Girardeau started selling Saturday and will be permitted to sell from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. through July 4.

At least six to eight more vendors are expected to open businesses at Jackson July 1.

There are usually about 2,000 fireworks retailers scattered throughout the state.

Firecracker sales have been permitted in Cape Girardeau only eight years. The city council approved the sale and discharge of firecrackers for the 1985 Fourth of July season.

Missouri is one of 29 states where Class C fireworks are permitted to be sold. That includes such items as sparklers, fountains, spinners, bottle rockets and firecrackers.

A total of 13 states ban all Class C fireworks and nine states allow only sparklers and other novelties. That includes Illinois, where people are permitted to discharge only sparklers, smoke bombs, and a few other small novelty items.