Orbit Fireworks ready for Independence Day
Independence Day is traditionally celebrated with friends and family while grilling, hanging out at a pool, and of course, fireworks.
Orbit Fireworks on Highway 182 has prepared for a busy Independence Day holiday.
Employee Katrina Taylor said Orbit Fireworks opened its doors on June 21 and will remain open until the evening of July 5.
Taylor said on Independence Day, Orbit Fireworks will open at 9 a.m. and remain open until customers stop coming, which is usually around midnight.
While shelves and tables are fully stocked prior to the holiday, Taylor said nearly everything will be sold out by the end of the day on July 5.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, in 2017 Americans consumed 254.4 million pounds in fireworks, with 229 million pounds being consumer fireworks and 25.4 million being display fireworks.
Taylor said traditional bottle rockets, 500 Grams, which offer the most for customers' money and artillery fireworks are the most popular for customers.
Taylor said last year, the store sold just under $50,000 in fireworks during the last holiday.
"The weather slowed us down some last year," Taylor said. "We hope to do better this year, and we are happy to see the rain because hopefully there won't be a burn ban."
According to the American Pyrotechnics Associations, in 2017 display fireworks earned $353 million in revenue and consumer fireworks earned $885 million in revenue in the United States, nearly tripling since 1998 at $141 million in display fireworks and $284 million in consumer fireworks.
Orbit Fireworks also has locations on Highway 82 in Starkville, Highway 182 in Columbus, Highway 50 in Columbus, Highway 45 in Columbus, Highway 25 in Louisville, Highway 45 in Macon and Highway 45 in West Point.