What better way to celebrate Independence Day than “Battle Cry.” Or “USA Conqueror.” Or “Thunderstruck.”
Packaged in radiant boxes with loud lettering, each boasts the same explosive firepower — 500 grams, the most legally allowed in the state — with large canisters billowing dozens of explosive firework shells into the sky in a colorful blaze.
Fireworks are inextricably tied to the Fourth of July, emblematic of national pride and the ultimate symbols of celebration.
Montana is among the 44 states that still allow most consumer fireworks, although the explosives are only allowed in certain areas, such as this county. (See rules on page 29).
Each summer, for the 10 days surrounding July 4, it’s not hard finding an upstart shop selling colorful explosives. Within one mile of Kalispell’s city limits on the east side of U.S. Highway 2 in Evergreen, nine fireworks stands have emerged in the last week. All across the valley, mostly outside city limits, dozens more have popped up offering a wide polychromatic arsenal to choose from.
“We’ve got everything; all the fireworks you could want,” says Roman Hopper, 27, the store manager of the Beehive fireworks stand in Evergreen.
Though he seems like an experienced veteran, Hopper, a Kalispell native, is in his first stint hawking fireworks. The owners of Beehive, a Montana-based fireworks company, gave Hopper his own stand and nearly $20,000 worth of fireworks.
Like other fireworks vendors, he had 10 days to sell what he could in the state’s legally allotted timeframe — June 25 through June 5 at midnight. Fireworks can also be sold Dec. 29 through Dec. 31 for New Year’s.
The rainy weather in late June slowed down business a bit, but Hopper still saw a few big buys. One individual bought $860 worth of fireworks in one purchase, according to Hopper.
“I’ve heard of people dropping over $1,000,” he said.
It’s not hard to imagine. Fireworks range in price greatly, starting with sparklers at 40 cents apiece to the popular “M-85 Tanks” that cost a few bucks each. Then there are the heavy duty high-powered explosives, such as “Jumping Skier,” “Jester’s Revenge,” “Brink of Disaster,” “Goliath” and “Zeus.” Those can run upwards of $200 each. There are also the assorted packages for children and adults that come with a garden variety, valued at $100.
Just down the street, Nikki Fox, 28, has been busy selling the celebratory items to families anxious for the seasonal explosions. Fox has operated one of the four locally owned Black Widow fireworks stands for three years, and it’s become an annual highlight to re-open in summer.
“I really like making people smile and helping the kids decide on stuff,” she said. “And the men who like the high-dollar stuff. It’s fun to help them decide which ones to buy.”
She has several repeat customers who treat firework shopping like an art. After all, there’s a method to the madness when it comes to an explosive display.
“There’s guys who really try to put together quite the show,” she said.