A Wednesday fourth can have a lot of uncertainty among firework vendors, however 2018 seemed to have wide spread success across the state among vendors.
As the fourth of July moves around in the week from year-to-year, the way people celebrate and travel also changes. In Lawrence, Kansas firework vendors were a bit skeptical of how this year would turn out. The unfortunate reality of a Wednesday fourth is that people tend to not have humungous parties and drink very much, due to the fact that they have to be at work the next day. What's positive about the fourth being on a Wednesday is that because its so far away from the weekend, people tend to stay in town and light off fireworks with the kids on the holiday.
According to staff members of Jayhawk Fireworks and Velocity Fireworks in Lawrence, the year went very well. "we had to make several trips to our wholesaler to restock throughout the week." Justin Sorem, one of the staff members at velocity said. "Its always good when you sell out of items in the first two days". The fact that tents in Douglass county, Kansas were selling out is especially impressive because of the shortened period of time that vendors are allowed to sell in that county.
Matt Jacobsen from Jayhawk FIreworks stated "we can only sell from the first to the fourth, so we have to clear our tables quickly." The county has a selling period shortened by five days from the rest of the state, who can normally sell from June 27th through July 5th. "with fireworks being outlawed in Lawrence and the shortened selling period, it makes it very hard to have a successful stand." Even with the extra obstacles, tents around Lawrence, Kansas seemed to do very well.
Tables had been cleaned off by late evening on the fourth in many tents around the area, leaving the owners very satisfied with the year. " It wasn't our best year yet, but it was definitely a successful one." Jeff Messeraull owner of Jayhawk FIreworks. "Hopefully next year will be even better. With this year all wrapped up, firework vendors are looking forward to an even better year next season.
2018 was a successful year for many tents in the state. we can only hope that next year will be as good or better.