Business booming for Fresno firework stands in run up to Independence Day

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fireworks sales season is starting to really explode in the Central Valley.

The Clovis East band and color guard are making its pitch to a sharp set of customers.

"Well they have to experience our fourth here," Helen Boe of Fresno said.

Boe is ready to put on an Independence Day show for visitors from Italy, so she grabbed a bag full of safe and sane fireworks. As the holiday creeps up, sales are starting to pick up at the fireworks stand on Shaw and Armstrong.

And every dollar earned goes towards the band's upcoming season, filling their big rig with students and instruments.

"The money goes back to the band program, and we end up divvying it up between all our instrumental music programs," Spencer Hannibal-Smith with the school said. "And choir has been jumping in and helping a little bit too, so we'll split it with them as well."

In the fireworks game, the competition is fierce, but there doesn't seem to be serious rivalries. Central Valley Sportsmen's Club sell theirs just across the street, and they're ready for the opening show.

Their sales also support charitable efforts, like sending Clovis sixth graders to the Sierra Outdoor School in Sonora.

"Donate to the Discovery Center, food bank, we do work out at local wildlife areas," Mike Aranaydo with the club explained.

The booths had a stream of customers Sunday, but they get really busy on Monday and Tuesday. The Central Valley Sportsmen keep selling until 8 p.m. every night.

The Clovis East stand is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through the 4th, and then it's hasta la vista.