Firework stands make final push for business ahead of Independence Day

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Independence Day is just hours away and local non-profits are making a final push to sell fireworks. It's the third of July and time is ticking.

The Clovis High Cougars have less than 30 hours to raise money for the boy's basketball program. So the team is making noise to stand out and get people to buy fireworks.

"We did bench presses, we did cartwheels, we sing," student Jalen Wills said. "We do whatever we can."

This is the loudest corner in Clovis, but competition is about to heat up. Soon, the marching band from the same school will step up just a few blocks away.

"Around five o'clock, we'll have our pep band out here," Band Booster Board President Josh Spooner said. "We do a lot of social media bursts."

In Fresno, two incoming freshmen at Bullard High have a similar approach. Another group of girls, however, are competing with traffic across from the Fig Garden Shopping Center.

"They can still hear us," Ellie Mason said. "They're over there, and they can see us."

There are also discount fireworks down the street, but the 90-degree weather is by far Kylie Fogel's biggest threat.

"Trying to stay out here and get people when it's hot," she said. "Trying to stay motivated for our band."

Back at the corner of Clovis and Shaw, the Cougars are calling this fundraiser a success. The team has cans full of cash from generous people on the road, and it's coming in clutch in the final hours leading up to the holiday.