'Be Safe': Fireworks Vendors Prepare for New Year Sales Rush

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PETAL, Miss. - As the Christmas season comes to an end, many families in the Pine Belt are beginning to prepare for the upcoming New Year’s celebrations, starting with some exciting fireworks.

Tiffany Tweedy, a vendor from Hale Fireworks, shared her observations about the current sales trends. "The beginning of the week is usually slow," she said. "But yesterday, on Christmas Eve, we saw a significant increase in activity. I expect the next few days leading up to New Year's to be very busy, especially on the 30th, 31st, and of course on New Year’s Day itself."

On Thursday, Tweedy was already hard at work setting up her stand on Mississippi 42 in Petal. She explained the process: "Hale Fireworks sets up the tents and arranges the tables. Then, we receive the inventory. It takes about a day to organize, price, and ensure everything is in good condition."

Her stand is filled with a variety of popular items that many households might recognize, as well as some less common products that people may not have encountered before. "We have small party packs that are perfect for kids," Tweedy said. "There are also items like 'chickens' that are popular among dads. We also carry big, 6-inch artillery shells and multi-shooters."

One of her personal favorites is a product called "Mr. Rex." Tweedy suggested that families consider classics like sparklers if children are going to be involved in the fun. However, she emphasized the importance of safety, even when using smaller items.

"I have a little saying that if you have a red solo cup, you should pop a hole in the top and place the sparkler inside to protect your hands," she said. "Make sure you're not doing anything that could cause the sparkler to fly around. If you're using artillery, I always recommend placing a piece of wood underneath it so it doesn't tip over."

Many cities in the Pine Belt, including Petal, have specific regulations regarding the use of fireworks. Tweedy advised shoppers to check their local ordinances before the festivities begin. "Just be safe," she added. "When you're shooting fireworks, you typically can't do so within 1,000 feet of any area."

According to recent studies, Americans spent over $2.7 billion on fireworks in 2024 alone, highlighting the popularity of these celebratory items.