Fireworks Sales Booming

PERRY COUNTY-- People celebrate the fourth of July in a variety of ways, but for some the day is all about fireworks.

Just across the Mississippi in Claryville, Missouri you'll find a place where the folks are very patriotic and fireworks have become their life's work.

"This is our 39th year, my dad started selling on the tailgate of a pickup truck" says Mark Gibbar, owner of Red's Fireworks.

Some shops here are open year round, selling fireworks in endless shapes and sizes, ranging in price from a few cents to several hundred dollars.

Early summer is always a busy season for these vendors but they describe business this year as truly booming.

"We were kind of wondering if it would be slow because of the economy, but I think it's been pretty steady since we've opened" says Dawn Kirn, employee at Red's Fireworks.

"This is probably going to be a record year, the economy's been down but people are still coming in to buy fireworks. I guess they're going to do less traveling and stay at home and do more at home" says Gibbar.

And saying home with fireworks is exactly the plan for the McMath family.

"It's not the fourth of July without doing it. At least once a year the kids should be able to have fun and light their own fireworks and enjoy it" says Frances McMath, mother of three.

Joshua Stephens plans to spend about 100 dollars on his display, but is still looking for the best value.

"There are 61 shots in each one of these [holding up firework] and it's only $13 for two of them" says Stephens.

Both of these shoppers admit they travel across state lines to purchase fireworks that are illegal in their home state of Illinois.

Vendors say that is common.

"90 percent of our customer base is from the state of Illinois" says Gibbar.

The vendors say the most important part of the fourth of July is having fun while staying safe.

"Just use the product properly and you can enjoy them" says Gibbar.

Experts say adult supervision is important when setting off fireworks.

Most products do contain a warning label letting people know what dangers to watch out for.

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