Residents stock up on fireworks for annual celebrations

HARLINGEN - Local Fourth of July celebrants were out filling baskets and shopping bags with fireworks for the holiday weekend on Friday despite an uncertain economy and continuing job cuts across the country.

Russell Harriman and his 9-year-old daughter Ebelyn perused aisles of fireworks at the Alamo Fireworks warehouse in Harlingen.

Harriman said the economy did not force him to scale back his plans to buy fireworks for little Ebelyn.

"I like the pops," the girl said when asked which fireworks were her favorite. "I like celebrating the Fourth of July."

Valley Discount Fireworks owner Josue Cano said he has noticed only a slight decline in traffic compared with previous years.

"Business has started slow but I would say it's the hot weather," he said. "People usually get out when the sun is going down. We're just hoping that people will come out for the Fourth of July."

Mr. G's Fireworks owner R. Gonzalez said business was slow at the stands due to the heat but that he expected big numbers at his four warehouse locations, which are air-conditioned.

"People are coming out like every year," he said. "Everything's going right on schedule. Usually people wait until the last minute. People are happy to buy fireworks. It's a great American tradition."

Cano said he filled his stands with new "big-display" items this year to attract more business during the economic recession.

Both fireworks company owners said their most popular product has been the Excalibur, a kit that comes with a reloadable artillery shell that creates bursts similar to those of professional firework displays.

"There are a lot of (fireworks with) 500 grams powder (this year)," Cano said. "That is the maximum you can get on your displays. These throw different displays up in the air, which people enjoy. They go from about $38 to $54."

Classic fireworks like Black Cat firecrackers, sparklers, and waterproof bunker busters were popular with customers at Valley Discount Fireworks on Highway 107 outside Edinburg. Black Cat firecrackers run from $1.20 for a 100-pack to $4 for a 400-pack. Sparklers cost $2.70 for a five-pack, and bunker busters are $1.50 each.

Laguna Vista residents Blake and Tammy Thomas walked out of Alamo Fireworks in Harlingen with their 3-year-old and 10-month-old daughters and a bag of fireworks.

"It's probably the first year in many years since I was smaller that we've bought fireworks. But now we've got them, so we're excited to let them experience it," Blake Thomas said. "We're going to celebrate by barbecuing, shooting some fireworks and enjoying some watermelon and family more than anything."

Despite the ongoing recession, Thomas opted against scaling back his celebration plans.

"With the girls here, I'd say it's worth the investment," he said. "Twenty dollars will go a long way here at the firecracker stand."