By KRISTIN HOGANS

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Firework stands have lost their Fourth of July sparkle.

Due to the burn ban in Adams County and Concordia Parish, not many people are spending money on fireworks, salespersons at the stands said.

Louisiana Fireworks, Robbie’s Fireworks and Hales Fireworks, all located on U.S. 61 North, admit having difficulties selling fireworks this year.

“Some people still buy them and say they are going to wait until it rains to shoot them,” said Ginny Avara, a salesperson at Louisiana Fireworks.

But sales have been extremely slow at Hales Fireworks, said salesperson Tyler Richardson. Sales began to pick up as the holiday approached, he said, but are still worse than in previous years.

He said most people come earlier in the morning, and traffic is very slow in the afternoon due to the heat.

On the other hand, Robbie’s Fireworks salesperson Ben Frith said the dry weather hasn’t affected his sales in a big way.

“Competition plays the biggest role. Heat doesn’t really matter,” Frith said.

Ninety percent of Robbie’s annual sales come from the July 4 holiday, Frith said.

Avara said it’s not all about making a sale though. She said she will always give advice to her customers, letting them know the safe and the right ways to handle fireworks.

“Treat people right and they will come back,” Avara said.

Richardson said his is a family business and he has been around fireworks since he was 2 years old.

Louisiana Fireworks and Hales Fireworks salespersons said their bestsellers were the artillery. Robbie’s salesperson said theirs was the rising star.

All salespersons said the best items for the young children were the roman candles and sparklers.

Louisiana Fireworks and Hales Fireworks will close after July 5, and Robbie’s will close July 6 or 7.