Des Boodram runs the fireworks stand with Vernon Rutland at Hwy. 290/Locust Hill Road across from Ingles.
Jim Fair
Mark and Joann Broussard exhibit a popular display with adults featuring artillery-like shells.
Fireworks that tend to be lower to the ground are attractive to children. But officials warn to move children to a safe distance before lighting their fuses.
Des Boodram, who partners with Vernon Rutland at the Upstate Fireworks stand on Hwy. 290/Locust Hill Road (across from Ingles), explained sales depend on who will be viewing the pyrotechnics.
“A family will buy poppers or ground fireworks and adults will more than likely go for the more explosive and louder,” Boodram said. “Artillery fireworks ($8-$100) depend on what you want. Multi-shot aerials are also popular. They come with (12-42) shots and are available by size, color and sound.”
Boodram has been at the stand three years and he previously worked in the fireworks industry for 13 years. He said he and Rutland try to make the prices reasonable. “We want to have people come to our stand and not be stressed out about the prices they see,” Boodram said.
Mark and Joann Broussard run a TNT Fireworks stand in front of the Greer Walmart at 14055 E. Wade Hampton Blvd. The proceeds benefit Calvary Apostolic Church.
Mark showed the newest trends in fireworks with mortar and artillery shells. They are louder and provide more breaks per shell. Sometimes the shells will have two or three breaks creating additional explosions. An example is a product with 44 shots that create a total of 136 breaks, or 3 per shell.
Fireworks with smiley faces were for sale at the TNT stand and Mark showed a package that created a circle overhead with a Roman candle-like sequence.
“Make sure you set off fireworks on a level surface. Not a flat surface but a level one,” Mark cautioned.
Greer Fire Chief Chris Harvey warned people of the dangers of setting off fireworks. “Parents need to supervise children making sure they are clear of danger,” Harvey said. “Watch what you’re wearing so sparks or flames don’t ignite clothing. Be cautious.”
Harvey also suggested having water and/or fire extinguishers on hand to help douse flames or smother small fires.