Fireworks sellers struggle with ban in effect

Stagnant sales and workers without much to do are signs of the times at fireworks stands in Flathead County.

Rising fire danger and now a fireworks ban in Flathead County have combined to slow down business at retail fireworks outlets.

Fireworks stands had already seen a drop in sales before the ban was voted into place Thursday by Flathead County commissioners.

While it is not illegal to sell fireworks — only to set them off — many consumers have already stopped buying.

Grant Arand, operating the Hong Kong Harry’s fireworks stand on U.S. 2, said he’s not surprised by the ban or by the major decline in sales.

“I’ve only been getting about five to eight people come in a day,” he said. “People do realize it’s too hot. Luckily, they just love the land we live in.”

Arand said business could pick up a little as the Fourth of July grows closer, but as the ban takes effect, he doesn’t expect major sales anytime soon.

His biggest seller this year, he said, are Frog Farts and Redneck Fish Finders, both waterproof firecrackers that can be dropped directly in water without exposing dry grass to flames.

“I admire that people aren’t willing to potentially burn our home to the ground,” Arand said.

Other stands are discounting prices. Businesses such as Black Widow Fireworks cut its prices in half to cover operational costs.

“Obviously, the ban is bad for business,” said Nikki Fox, working a Black Widow stand in Evergreen. “But if people can respect the ban this year and play it safe, then they’ll have a better chance at having fireworks again next year.”

Fox said the sales drought was discussed within the company before stands even went up in the area.

The early dry season and the hottest June in history have given merchandisers reason to expect low sales. Advertising has been focused on safety, she said, hoping to prevent accidental fires related to fireworks. Her highest-selling products have been low-exploding fireworks such as snappers and smoke bombs.

“I’ve tried to tell every single person that if they’re going to light something off, just lay the sprinkler down for 24 hours beforehand,” Fox said. “It’s too dry to risk anything.”

Even veteran stands such as Robinson’s Fireworks aren’t immune to the market conditions. Wanda Robinson, whose father opened the stand over 50 years ago, said she has never known a year dry enough to lead to a countywide ban on fireworks.

“It’s a political issue,” she said. “But I understand why it’s going on. We’ve done as much to educate people as we can, telling them to have water, a shovel and some dirt always ready.”

That is, if people are willing to risk breaking the law, she said.

The other point Robinson tries to make is that if consumers wait until the fall months for family occasions, fireworks may not be illegal. She still needs to sell fireworks to cover costs of employees, lot rent, insurance and the merchandising license.

Some businesses pay employees based on sales commission. Others, such as Arand at Hong Kong Harry’s, will be paid despite poor sales.

“I’m getting paid to be here no matter what,” Arand said. “But they need the sales and I’m going to stay here and do my part for the company.”

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.