More than 170 years of tradition: Local fireworks stands wrap up another busy Fourth of July season
As the last fireworks fizzled out over Journal Country and the shelves were packed away for another year, three longtime family run fireworks stands are finally catching their breath.
Operating under South Dakota’s annual 10 day sales license from June 27 through July 5, the stands near Lake City and Britton once again helped hundreds of families celebrate Independence Day. Collectively, the three businesses represent more than 170 years of fireworks sales, with traditions spanning multiple generations.
While the products have become bigger, louder and more elaborate over the decades, one thing has remained the same, helping families create Fourth of July memories.
For Marlin and Julie Heitmann, that tradition stretches back nearly six decades.
This year marked the 59th season for Heitmann Fireworks, located along Highway 10 southeast of Lake City. The business was started by Marlin’s parents, Adolf and Gertie Heitmann, after the owner of the Lake City gas station that had sold fireworks lost the building in a fire.
“They started selling them out of a chicken coop,” Marlin said.
After helping at the stand while growing up, Marlin took over the business following his father’s death in the early 1990s. The stand has evolved from a modified 1940s camper into a permanent building. The Heitmanns now purchase fireworks from suppliers in Wisconsin, Sioux Falls and Fargo and also provide the fireworks for the Buckhorn Rodeo and other displays around the state.
Marlin said customers generally want larger and louder fireworks than in years past, although low noise fireworks designed for young children, people with sensory sensitivities and pets were popular this year.
For Julie and Marlin, the best part has been watching generations of customers return each summer as their young customers grow into adults and then bring their own kids to buy.
The stand has also become a community effort, with area kids helping during the busy season and family members, including daughter Kelly Nack, her husband Ryan, and Ryan’s parents, Lonnie and Nancy Nack, pitching in. Marlin especially enjoys handing young customers a few extra firecrackers before they leave.
The family also collects donations for the #PassItOn Trevor Zuehlke Foundation and is planning to celebrate the stand’s 60th anniversary next summer.
Just a few miles south of Britton, another family tradition has been lighting up the holiday for 45 years.
Knox Fireworks owner Lisa Dawson traces the business back to her grandfather, Marvin Gabriel, who started selling fireworks in 1981 at the same location beside the family’s home. Dawson has operated the stand herself since 2009.
She said the fireworks have grown much larger over the years, while classic items like Fun Snaps remain favorites with younger customers.
Like many longtime sellers, Dawson treasures the repeat customers who return year after year.
“I’ve got to watch them grow up, and now I’m watching their kids grow up,” she said. “I’ve even had people who moved away stop back when they’re home visiting family because they used to buy fireworks here.”
Every Fourth of July at dusk, Dawson’s family hosts a fireworks show in their yard that is open to the public.
“It is definitely my favorite holiday of the year,” Dawson said. “It’s just so much fun seeing the joy fireworks bring for all ages.”
Across from Kree Mee on the east side of Britton, another multigenerational family business wrapped up its annual fireworks season.
The Tom family has been selling fireworks for 67 years, beginning when Reuben Tom opened a stand near the old drive-in theater west of Britton.
“Grandpa just loved fireworks,” Lindsey Kimber said. “He was colorful. He loved bright things.”
Today the stand is operated by Reuben’s son Greg Tom with help from several family members. Kimber said many adults now bring their own children to buy fireworks after visiting the stand themselves as kids.
While prices have changed over the decades, so has the selection. Kimber said larger fireworks continue to grow in popularity, and one of this year’s best sellers was “Eternity,” which lasts about two minutes and features dozens of different effects.
“There are always new fireworks that come out each year,” she said.
Now, with another Fourth of July in the books, all three families are enjoying a chance to slow down before preparing for another summer of helping Journal Country celebrate Independence Day.
