Independence Day for John Murphy is all about celebrating two weeks of country, family and fireworks.
“It’s an American tradition. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas but the Fourth of July has special meaning because it’s Independence Day,” Murphy said, while opening the big red, white and blue tent. “And, I have to admit it, I love to hear the bangs.”
For the past 30 years, Murphy’s family has sold fireworks. They have a stand in the front yard of their home along U.S. 71 between Greenland and West Fork.
At A Glance
Business Side of Fireworks
Wholesalers, such as Hale Fireworks of Buffalo, Mo., contract with individuals, churches, civic groups or schools for fundraisers.
Fundraising groups are provided with delivery and set-up of a tent, fireworks, training about the display and promotion of merchandise, $1 million liability insurance and instruction in the safe use of fireworks.
For independent contractors, Hale’s will set up and tear down the tent; lease or provide a company-owned location; and, supply liability insurance, local and state permits, merchandise and supplies, electricity and signs.
Contractors supply all the labor, do the set-up and tear down displays and handle all sales. In most cases they also have to pick up supplies, restock and return fireworks they don’t sell.
Another option is to buy the fireworks from Hale’s at wholesale prices and provide your own sales location, stand or tent, permits, insurance, labor, utilities and advertising.
Source: Hale Fireworks
“People who bring their kids now were kids when they started coming here. I’ve got customers that have been with us as long as we’ve been here,” the 74-year-old Murphy said. “As long as I can do it, I guess I will.”
The stand started as a way for Murphy’s son, Robert, to make money for college but quickly became a family tradition. Over the years, sons, daughters, in-laws and seven grandchildren have worked at the stand. Doris Murphy, the family matriarch, cooks lunch and a big dinner for the crew every day.
Son-in-law Russell Hinds, who happens to command the Bentonville Police Department bomb squad, came from a family of fireworks lovers. An uncle used to always bring a trunk full of stuff to the family’s farm and watch as the kids shot off all the fireworks. Hinds’ father, a retired Springdale fire chief, loved fireworks as well.
“It’s a familywide thing on both sides,” Hinds said. “Lisa’s folks have always been involved in the selling and we’ve always been involved in the shooting. I kind of got the best of both.”
Hinds, who has helped with the stand for 16 years, said he loves being around all the different kinds of fireworks but the big payoff is seeing how excited the kids and families are when they come in to buy.
On July 5, everyone gathers to break down the stand, have a backyard picnic and their own pyrotechnics show that usually lasts until they run out of fireworks.
John Murphy, an ex-Marine, was taught early on by his father — the son of Irish immigrants — that America is a special place.
The Tips
Firework Safety
• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Obey local laws.
• Always have a hose or water bucket handy.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and soak it in a bucket of water.
• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
• Only people older than 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
• Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you!
Source: National Council On Fireworks Safety
“When I was growing up, the Fourth was a big thing,” Murphy said. “My dad instilled in me that the United States of America deserves to be taken care of. This is a celebration for the country.”
Running a fireworks stand out of a tent means long hours of hot, hard work. But not all fireworks stands are tents or sheds.
Jake’s Fireworks had enough success with one Lowell location they opted to ditch the tent, buy the land and put up a building last year.
“Where would you rather shop: in a nice, air-conditioned building or in a hot tent?” asked Ken Jones. “You can take your time and be comfortable.”
In most cases, wholesalers provide the location, fireworks, insurance and other necessities then contract with operators to sell the fireworks. They settle up at the end of the season. A church group operates the Jake’s building. In the Murphys’ case, they provide the location and contract with a wholesaler who provides the fireworks and tent, including setting it up and taking it down.
Sellers are coy about how much money can be made from an average stand, but Americans bought an estimated $636 million dollars worth of consumer fireworks last year, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.
“We do make some money, but it’s not a lot when you divide it up among all the kids and such,” Murphy said.
The business also allows grandkids to make summer spending money.
“We’d pay the little ones to pick up paper,” Murphy said. “They’d get a paycheck like everyone else.”
Whatever is left goes into a “mad money” fund.
Murphy said his customers’ tastes have changed over the years and fireworks have gotten bigger and bigger.
“When we started, you couldn’t keep enough bottle rockets on the table,” Murphy said. “The biggest seller now is artillery. The little stuff is no longer fascinating to people.”