Annual fireworks stands are lifeblood for many organizations

It is 4:30 a.m. at the Lakeview Pentecostal Church’s firework booth in Blue Springs, and instead of being in the comfort of her own bed, Kaitlin Smith is sleeping in a cot next to thousands of dollars in fireworks.
“If someone approaches the tent, we shine a flashlight in their face,” she said. “It isn’t so bad, just kind of hot and muggy.”
In the days leading up to the Fourth of July, members of dozens of nonprofit groups have been spending their days in unair-conditioned tents in an effort to make the most of their main fundraiser of the year. This year, there are 17 licensed fireworks vendors in Blue Springs and for the first time, a dozen stands in Independence.
“This is exciting for us,” said Pastor Joe Nicola of New Covenant Ministries in Independence. “I did one before, almost 18 years ago in Platte City. It is a good event to raise funds. It also helps us to have a presence in the community.”

The Preparation
It might seem like fireworks tents go up overnight, but the preparation starts months before. Orders are placed by churches, school groups and other community organizations in late April and early May.
Steve Steiner, former Blue Springs mayor and owner of Lighthouse Fireworks in Oak Grove, is where many of those organizations go for their fireworks. In the week leading up to the Fourth of July, he and his crew put in 16-hour days just to make sure the tents are supplied.
“This year, we have five new groups from Independence, so it has been a little challenging to go over all of the rules, regulations and pricing procedures with them,” he said. “It has also been a challenge keeping everyone supplied, but we are getting it done.”
Steiner’s job begins when there is still snow on the ground. That is when he imports fireworks from China. Waiting, he said, is not an option in order to guarantee that his warehouse is filled in time for the holiday.
Then, Steiner and his crews erect the tents themselves, later delivering the fireworks to each organization.

The Sale
Once the fireworks are delivered, pricing begins. Volunteers have to be scheduled – usually two to four people on each shift, although most groups agree that no matter who is scheduled, others are bound to show up throughout the day.
But once the sun goes down, it does not mean everyone can go home.
“Someone has to be here throughout the night,” said Jim Haddock, volunteer with Lakeview Pentecostal Church. “Someone has to protect the fireworks from people stealing anything.”
Alisha Regier, a senior at Center Place Restoration who has volunteered for the night shift, said it is not that bad.
“It is pretty cool, we just made it like one big slumber party,” she said. “Of course, we couldn’t use candles, but we stayed up talking most of the night. We also had a lot of food, so we chowed down all night.”
Steiner said he has not noticed much of a difference in the fireworks sales compared to last year.
“From the early numbers I have seen, we might be 5 percent off from last year. But that could be attributed to anything,” he said. “Last year, the economy didn’t affect my business much because everyone stayed home instead of traveling. I think this year will be a good year too.”
The organizations’ revenue varies year to year. With about 20 percent of what is sold going back to the organization, thousands of dollars can be made in a few short days.
Most of that money, however, is made toward the end. Haddock said the beginning is slow. The church has operated the booth in the same place for 23 years and generally 60 to 70 percent of the sales are made July 3 and 4. Last year, the church brought in $6,000.
“It is a good fundraiser and certainly one of our biggest,” he said. “It also allows us to interact with the community and let them know about our church.”
During the height of the fireworks sale, vendors keep a close eye not only on the fireworks, but also on the sky.
Last year, thousands of dollars in fireworks were destroyed when severe weather damaged tents. Ian Storey, a senior on the Blue Springs South High School wrestling team, remembers the night well.
“We had to literally hold the tent down. It was bad,” he said. “The tent came up into the air and it was pouring rain. It wasn’t scary really, but if we didn’t hold the tent down, we were going to lose a lot of money.”

The finale
The hope for any organization is to sell out by the end of July 4, which happens more often than not. But whatever product is not sold, the organizations keep and store for next year. Receipts are counted, and revenue generated from the booth goes toward mission trips, school activities, athletic funds and projects for the coming year.
Steiner crew returns to the tents and pack up in preparation for next year.
“We still have a week of cleanup before us,” he said. “It takes three or four days to take all the tents down and pack them away until next summer and we also store product for groups that don’t sell it all. And then before we know it, it all starts again.”