Potential for severe weather fails to slow down Lincoln firework sales

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Firework businesses are always a popular place the day before the Fourth of July, but with the potential for bad weather, one would think it could affect sales.

The team at Wild Willy’s in Lincoln said the weather is not slowing down their sales in the slightest.

Manager Melissa Erickson said she never doubted that her customers would be coming in on Friday for their firecrackers.

“I think it’s just a celebration of being an American, and I think it’s fun to do with your family. I mean, who doesn’t like to blow stuff up?” she said.

Erickson said Wild Willy’s has been anticipating a huge turnout, so they made sure inventory is well stocked, especially with their most patriotic items.

“We definitely anticipated a lot of people just because of the 250th anniversary. It’s definitely been staying on track,” she said.

As for weather worries? It didn’t damper their game plan.

“We’ve got a tent. We can pull the sides down. Hail? I mean, hopefully people just still come and go, even with hail and wind. As long as the tent stays up, I think we’ll be okay,” said Erickson.

She’s getting lots of help for the customers pouring in too.

Vinhdi, Brady, Isaac, Kellen and Juliano are all football players at Lincoln Northwest.

They all confirmed the boom of buyers.

“We had one guy who came in and he had bought probably upwards of like $900 worth of fireworks,” said Isaac.

“No one’s really worried about the weather from what I’ve seen,” said Kellen.

As for the overall vibe?

“Pretty American,” said Kellen.

The steady stream of customers coming into the tent proved this to be true.

“We’ve heard it’s supposed to be bad tonight and tomorrow, but that’s fine. We’re not scared,” said Morgan Heyen, who was shopping with little ones Azlyn and Henry.

When asked what she was most excited for, Azlyn responded, “to light off fireworks,” and she showed off her favorite one; a princess themed parachute.

Herman Pacheco was also shopping in the tent with his two young sons.

“Oh, we’re going to be launching. We’re going to be smoking. We’re going to be doing it all,” he said.

“The rain isn’t going to stop us?” he asked his son, who responded with a strong “yep!”

Javarrea Mason was shopping alongside his family and said he had heard that it may rain.

“But, we’re planning on still lighting off fireworks. Hopefully, it’s just a little sprinkle,” he said.

Derrick Venata said he was shopping for an Independence Day party at his neighborhood’s cul-de-sac but is also not letting the weather dampen his plans.

“I mean, what else are we supposed to do? We’re going to party like it’s 250,” he said.