Area vendors: Fireworks sales strong despite poor economy

Despite the economic slump, fireworks season is in full swing for vendors in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

Fireworks sales within the boundaries of both cities are prohibited except during the eight days leading up to and including July 4. This year five merchants were issued licenses to sell fireworks in Cape Girardeau and four were granted licenses in Jackson.

Rick Hoffman, owner of Hoffman Family Fireworks Super Store near Cape Girardeau, said the economy has influenced his store's inventory. Anticipating that consumers will be more conservative this year, he almost doubled his stock of items costing less than $10. But he has seen an increase in the sales of costly 500 gram aerial fireworks, the most powerful fireworks available without a professional license. He said some municipalities are saving money by purchasing these for public displays rather than using professional-grade fireworks.

Andrea Sachse has been working as the tent manager for the Hoffman Family Fireworks stand in Town Plaza in Cape Girardeau for the past several years.

"Even if the economy is down, I don't think people are going to let it stop their Fourth of July celebrations," she said.

Dante Purl browses at a fireworks stand Monday in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Sachse said there were concerns about the potential effect of high gas prices on sales last year. She said it appeared to have no effect, though, and the last three days of sales were so busy that more employees have been hired this year.

"We're stocked and ready to handle big crowds this year," Sachse said.

Ordinances in Jackson and Cape Girardeau prohibit individuals younger than 17 from purchasing fireworks. Sachse said it is important for parents to supervise their children and recommended keeping a bucket of water on hand.

Hoffman will be giving a presentation on firework safety at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Cape Area Family Resource Center. Pat King, of the Family Resource Center, said the seminar is needed to address the problem of children playing with fireworks by firing them at each other.

"Every year the 4th of July turns into a war. They're not getting the point that this is dangerous," King said.

Fireworks of every shape and size are available in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

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