Firework sales are heating up at tents set up on street corners all over Meridian, Marion and Lauderdale County.

    Jeff Tate, who also serves as the Lauderdale Election Commissioner, just opened his new fireworks store — Tate’s Firworks — in Marion on Monday.

    “Well, I just saw all the tents here in the Marion area each and every year,” Tate said. “I thought that if there was an actual building that can provide air conditioning that people might prefer to shop in the AC.”     

    Tate said he has been encouraged by sales so far.    

    “Sales have been good, but we’re hoping for an increase as we get closer to the holiday,” Tate said.

    Jason Sonderman has owned and operated Kaboom fireworks in Marion for 10 years.

    “We’ve built long term relationships through the business,” Sonderman said. “A lot of regulars come back to us.”

    Sondermon said profits have grown every year.

    “About three years ago we went to a bigger tent, because in the smaller tent we were selling out each season,” Sonderman said. “So, we put more product in with the bigger tent and more people come.”

    Donna Brunside  who owns a firework operation on Highway 19 South said sales are hit or miss.

    “I would have to say today if I was just starting out in the fireworks business, I wouldn’t do it,” Brunside said. “The prices on fireworks have gone up too high.

    “There is so much competition out there now. It’s a tough business to be in. Sometimes you sell, and somedays you don’t sell a thing. Your good days are July 3 and the holiday.”