FIREWORKS SALES BOOMING AS TUESDAY HOLIDAY NEARS

People like variety and maximum bang in their fireworks, say workers at Cape Girardeau-area stands.

Fireworks stands have enjoyed brisk sales as the July 4 holiday approaches. As stocks run low, sellers say last-minute shoppers likely will find a depleted selection.

"Over the next couple of days, if people want to buy they had better get in early, because things are starting to disappear," said Sue Beck, a worker at the Kinder's Fireworks at the Schnucks parking lot off Kingshighway.

Fireworks stands in Cape Girardeau will be open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. today. On Tuesday, the Fourth of July, sales will be extended until midnight. Jackson allows sales from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on both days.

Bob Moore of Batesville, Ark., is running the Fireworks World stand near the corner of East Jackson and South Hope streets in Jackson.

He said that Moon Traveler bottle rockets, offered at a cut-rate price, have been his biggest seller. Bottle rockets of all varieties typically are popular items.

"We have four different kinds, which is a pretty good assortment for any bottle rocket fiend," Beck said.

Other standard items are M-60 and M-100 firecrackers, smoke bombs and sparklers. Interest in more elaborate products is strong as well.

A big seller at Fireworks World is the Assault Chopper, a powerful firecracker with a propeller.

"It's similar to a quarter stick of dynamite, but it's not dynamite because that is illegal," Moore said. "It's sold really good for us."

At Kinder's, a product called Parade of Color is attractive to customers because of it's bright display as well as it's low price.

"Contrary to what people think, we don't necessarily try to sell people the most expensive item," Beck said. "If we know something is good, we tell people."

The item, which costs $6 consists of multiple charges that explode in a flower pattern lasting about three minutes.

Beck said people also are interested in artillery shells and large rockets.

Prepackaged collections of different items also are moving well. Prices on those range from around $14 to as high as $150.

Moore said sales of family packs have been brisk at the Jackson location, particularly for the low- to mid-priced items. Beck said they are good buys for people that want a good display, regardless of price range.

"Serious people know that if they go around the tent and price the items individually they will spend well over the price of the package," Beck said.