Fireworks Stands Holding On to Hope for Better Business
By: Josh Berry
Updated: July 1, 2012
Fireworks stands across central Arkansas are holding out hope that business is gonna pick up.
Sunday (7/1) leading off the busiest days for fireworks sales but business has gone cold because of the extreme heat.
In addition to the rain that's missing, Tammy Wood's fireworks stand is missing people.
"It's been really slow this year because I think of drought," Wood said.
And it's the same story at most stands across Arkansas, at least for those still open for business.
Parking lots sit empty and the aisles full of nothing but fireworks.
Wood knows people can't shoot them, but doesn't think that should keep them from buying.
"There's not a reason not to buy fireworks, you just can't shoot them right now," she said. "I understand that but you can shoot them later."
She means later for that rainy day, if it ever comes. Unfortunately for fireworks stands though, by law, they only have a limited window to sell: July 10.
"If you want fireworks, you're gonna have to buy them now. We just hope people save," said Arkadelphia Fireworks stand co-owner, Hayden Thornton.
He said they don't intend for people to shoot them illegally, but compare their situation to a liquor store. Thornton claims liquor stores sell alcohol knowing that some people are more than likely going to drink and drive but still sell it anyways.
He added, "And we know that some people are going to shoot. I mean that's just gonna happen. But they hope that when people drink and drive nothing bad happens and we hope that when people shoot nothing bad happens."
He said his stand is behind on sales but not by that much, the first is when business usually starts to pick up and continue through the fourth. If it doesn't they could be in trouble.
That's why they put up a sign hoping people will buy, regardless of a burn ban.
With a small chance of rain in the forecast before the Fourth, stands are staying somewhat optimistic.
"I'm going to hold out a for a while longer and probably longer than normal and hope that it will rain," Wood Said.
You can still buy fireworks, you just can't shoot them. However, fire officials are pleading with people to help them by not shooting fireworks.
Sunday (7/1) leading off the busiest days for fireworks sales but business has gone cold because of the extreme heat.
In addition to the rain that's missing, Tammy Wood's fireworks stand is missing people.
"It's been really slow this year because I think of drought," Wood said.
And it's the same story at most stands across Arkansas, at least for those still open for business.
Parking lots sit empty and the aisles full of nothing but fireworks.
Wood knows people can't shoot them, but doesn't think that should keep them from buying.
"There's not a reason not to buy fireworks, you just can't shoot them right now," she said. "I understand that but you can shoot them later."
She means later for that rainy day, if it ever comes. Unfortunately for fireworks stands though, by law, they only have a limited window to sell: July 10.
"If you want fireworks, you're gonna have to buy them now. We just hope people save," said Arkadelphia Fireworks stand co-owner, Hayden Thornton.
He said they don't intend for people to shoot them illegally, but compare their situation to a liquor store. Thornton claims liquor stores sell alcohol knowing that some people are more than likely going to drink and drive but still sell it anyways.
He added, "And we know that some people are going to shoot. I mean that's just gonna happen. But they hope that when people drink and drive nothing bad happens and we hope that when people shoot nothing bad happens."
He said his stand is behind on sales but not by that much, the first is when business usually starts to pick up and continue through the fourth. If it doesn't they could be in trouble.
That's why they put up a sign hoping people will buy, regardless of a burn ban.
With a small chance of rain in the forecast before the Fourth, stands are staying somewhat optimistic.
"I'm going to hold out a for a while longer and probably longer than normal and hope that it will rain," Wood Said.
You can still buy fireworks, you just can't shoot them. However, fire officials are pleading with people to help them by not shooting fireworks.
