A thriving economy, cheaper prices, and great weather are just a few of the factors fireworks tent owners credit to thriving sales so far this week. Although their peak sales times are traditionally the evening of July 3 and the day of July 4, owners say fireworks sales throughout the metro appear to be as strong as ever.
At over 10,000 square feet, Zeke Young may sell more fireworks in the metro than anyone.
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"I think a lot of people are taking today off, so we're expecting a big day today and tomorrow," said Young. "The weather is going to cooperate with us."
But the Riverside tent isn't an exception.
A dealer at Southwest Boulevard and 7th street in Kansas City, Kansas has been relatively busy but they expect to make most of their money in the next 24 hours. It also appears to be a hot spot for those in nearby cities where fireworks are illegal.
"Missouri is actually, literally, down the street, so people get confused," said Carlos Gomez, manager of the fireworks tent.
One customer spending over $100 in fireworks was from Raytown, where fireworks such as bottle rockets and Roman candles are illegal.
There were also two other customers from Kansas City, Missouri who were buying fireworks, even though fireworks are illegal in the city.
"I mean we try to keep it to the simple stuff," said a father from Brookside.
According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, there were 1,418 fireworks dealers in Missouri last year, generating over $40 million in sales.
And considering fireworks are illegal in KCMO, Johnson County and in some neighboring states, dealers who do operate in the KC metro find themselves a magnetic hot bed for pyromaniacs every July 3rd.
"You just gotta use good common sense and good safety," said Young.
