The business of selling fireworks in Oklahoma

Fireworks stands are popping up all over the place. And if it seems like there are more of them than they're used to be, you're right. <br/><br/>News on 6 business reporter Steve Berg visited

Thursday, July 1st 2004, 10:10 am

By: News On 6

Fireworks stands are popping up all over the place. And if it seems like there are more of them than they're used to be, you're right.

News on 6 business reporter Steve Berg visited one of those stands Thursday. The small fireworks stands get their licenses through the big wholesalers like Jake's. And Jake's told me that they've distributed about 30% more licenses the past couple of years than they have before.

Jake's itself is doing well. What makes it amazing is you can only run a fireworks stand in Oklahoma for four weeks out of the year. But we've heard many stories that you can make thousands of dollars during that time. Shoppers aren't shy about spending $20, $30, or $40 a pop for fireworks.

And Jake Marietta Junior says consumers are getting more bang for their buck these days. He says the quality is better. â€œTheyâ€™ve now allowed us to bump up to 500 gram kegs which has allowed us to do a lot more of the Class B, the professional effects are trickling down into the consumer market."

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to go to Missouri to get the good stuff. They do have bottle rockets there, but other than that; Jake says the fireworks they sell in Oklahoma and Missouri are exactly the same.