Local Firework Tent Offers Showstopping Fireworks, Fun for All Ages

By Cameron Riser
hottytoddy.com intern

In anticipation of the Fourth of July holiday, firework tents are opening their flaps early to indulge local customers with explosives that stream, scream, and smoke.
Meramec Specialty Company is based out of West Memphis, Arkansas and distributes fireworks to more than five states. Angela Waller, a Batesville resident, has been with Meramec Specialty Company for 13 seasons alongside her co-worker, Tate Howard, of Oxford, who is entering his fifth.
In the summer of 2015, Waller set up the red and white tent on Highway 6, just past the Wellsgate subdivision, to attract folks coming and leaving Oxford. They have remained there ever since.
Waller and Howard said they like selling fireworks the old-school way, in a tent without simple pleasures like air conditioning.
The company prices fireworks from 25 cents to $300 dollars, making them a budget friendly organization.

“We want to make sure anybody at any age can afford to have fun.” Waller said.
Howard said children obsess over the “lady bugs”, smoke grenades, and sparklers.
A few top favorites for others include the adult poppers and roman candles, but the most popular is the Super Value.
“We call it your own firework show in a bag.” Waller said.
For those who like an equal balance of color and noise, fireworks like “Southern Salute”, “Atom Bomb”, and “Crazy Creature” will start any Fourth of July holiday off with a bang. If you want to end with a showstopper, Waller suggests the “Berserker” and “Destroyer”, which are the two with the loudest explosions.
As a thank you to the customers, Waller and Howard give away free fireworks, so expect a small toke of their appreciation with every purchase.
The stand is open now until July 5, from 8 a.m. to midnight or later.

---