The holidays are a time for families and friends to come together. A fireworks stand run by a father and son has these ideals in mind during the biggest holidays of the year.
David’s Fireworks, nestled just off U.S. 82, is owned and operated by David Elmore Sr. and David Elmore Jr.
David’s Fireworks has a generous offering of different fireworks and caters to everyone, whether you want to welcome in the new year with a bang or you just want to shoot a few bottle rockets.
Elmore Jr. said firework sales depend on the state of the economy. “It really depends on discretionary income,” he said.
The Fourth of July brings in more customers and bigger purchases, he said.
“Christmas is right before New Year’s, so discretionary income isn’t as high,” he said.
The Elmores get the majority of their fireworks from a warehouse in Hattiesburg. Elmore Sr. just returned from a trip down south to ensure that they were all stocked up for New Year’s sales.
David’s Fireworks originally began in the 1980s. Elmore Sr. said starting the business was a “spur-of-the-moment decision.” Only recently has it gone under the direction of father and son.
“We opened back up about five years ago,” Elmore Sr. said. “Now it’s just (Elmore Jr. and I). He’s my partner in crime.”
Even though shooting and selling fireworks within the Greenwood city limits is illegal, both Elmores said it doesn’t hinder their business. The selection includes firework packs big and small.
“Variety packs are our best sellers,” Elmore Jr. said.
Assistant Greenwood Fire Chief John Lewis urged families to be safe while enjoying fireworks outside the city limits. “Children shouldn’t hold sparklers. They should put them in a Coke can or something, because the metal that ejects from sparklers can hit them in the eye,” Lewis said.
He also advised children against holding fireworks in their hands and aiming projectile fireworks at individuals or homes. “Just be safe all the way around, because even though they are low-grade explosives, they’re still explosives,” he said.
•Contact Kerrigan Herret at 581-7233 or kherret@gwcommonwealth.com.
