WATSON, Miss. (KMTV) — A fireworks store off Interstate 29 in Atchison County, Missouri is having a strong year in sales while in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Watson Fireworks ownership told 3 News Now with major fireworks events being canceled across the region, families are choosing to buy fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July.
"Last year it was really bad for us because the interstate was closed and cut us way back and this year a lot of people and a lot of shows canceled and people are ready to do something," said Reed Martin, one of Watson Fireworks' owners. "Business is beyond expectations this year."
Open from Memorial Day through the Fourth of July weekend, the store has a limited period of around 30 days to make profits.
"It’s basically been a tradition for families for years," Martin said. "I’ve had families for three or four generations telling me they’ve come here for a long time."
In 2019 the fireworks shop was hit hard by the spring flooding. 3 News Now profiled the store last year.
"We’ve been able to tell more families are able to get their individual fireworks which is nice," said Blair Jaworski, one of the staff members at Watson Fireworks.
Jaworski added having people buy fireworks for the Fourth of July brings back a sense of normalcy to the area during the pandemic.
"It does feel like normal again," Jaworski said. "It feels good to have that feeling of normalcy."
Watch reporter Phil Bergman's story in the above video.
