Big business expected for fireworks

Published 10:40 am Friday, December 30, 2016

Tomorrow will be New Year’s Eve and with that comes big celebrations ringing in 2017. One of the most popular ways to usher in the new and get rid of the old is through fireworks displays.

To get ready for the occasion, fireworks stands are popping up around Oxford to sell their goods.

Crazy Rob’s Fireworks, which is based out of Senatobia, have a temporary location on County Road 2050 in front of Stout’s Carpets. According to longtime employee Patrick Rutledge, the tent has been there for at least two decades.

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He says that while fireworks are always a popular commodity for New Year’s, the amount they sell varies every year.

“What we sell depends on the economics, if people have money or not,” Rutledge said. “The most popular firework that people buy (in a given year) depends on that as well.”

Crazy Rob’s also has a wide array from which to choose.

“If you’re looking for the big displays, there are $80 dollar ones down to $20 ones,” Rutledge said. “We also have a big set which is $300 to $400. They’re like the ones you’d see at the Ole Miss fireworks display.”

Rutledge adds that while Fourth of July is their biggest holiday for sales, that isn’t stopping New Year’s Eve from gaining ground.

“Little by little, people have been getting fireworks for New Year’s,” he said. “Fourth of July is the big one for us. It seems like every year is different so you can never tell what’s going to happen.”

As a reminder, for those who live within the Oxford city limits, fireworks are still illegal to launch and violators could be subject to a fine.