Firework sellers prepare for sales surge as America marks 250 years

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Firework sellers across the country are gearing up for a spectacular surge in sales this holiday.

According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, consumer firework revenues are expected to hit $2.5 billion in sales.

In Lincoln, one business with more than a half a century of experience in the industry is preparing.

“I’m sort of anxious to see this here because we’re on a weekend and it’s the 250th anniversary,” said Erin Egan.

Egan’s dad, Pat, started Crazy Cracker Fireworks in 1957 in Lincoln, growing the company from doing business out of his truck to now having several tents all over the state.

“He loved fireworks. He loved people, and he was happy to bring it to Lincoln because back then there just wasn’t much,” said Egan.

She commemorated her dad’s legacy with a tattoo of a small firecracker, after he passed away in 2023.

Erin’s dad would travel as far as China to bring back a wide array of products, and this year, their selection is even more patriotic than before for the big 250th.

“Every year I feel like the powder gets more colorful and the booms get louder and the products go up higher. So, people that are looking for a grand finale, we have it,” she said.

In preparation of higher sales, Egan says they are making sure they have all the right products.

“Roman candles, artilleries, aerials, you name it. We even have a cool thing this year that’s a Roman candle that shoots out parachutes, because people love parachutes. For the kids, they love it!” she said.

Right now, consumer reports show that high tariffs on Chinese imports have dropped since last year, so products like fireworks will most likely be less expensive.

“The economy feels like it’s a little stronger, so I’m hoping that people are comfortable and, it’s a lot cheaper to shoot off fireworks in your backyard than it is to take a vacation at this point, so you might be saving money that way,” said Egan.

Fireworks cannot be sold or set off within Lincoln city limits until Friday, July 3, however, tents are selling them in the county where you are able to purchase them now.

For a list of Crazy Cracker Firework locations, you can access them here.