NATCHEZ — When the economy tightens its grip on the American family’s wallet, few line up to burn money like they used to.

At least one long-time fireworks stand operator sat out the Fourth of July season altogether last year, due, in part, to worries over what the down economy would mean for business.

Nathan Gauthier’s fireworks stand is back this year in a new location, and he said customers are coming but spending less.

“On average, the guy who used to spend $100 on fireworks now spends $60 or $50,” he said.

The change in sales has forced Gauthier and other stand operators to get creative, stress the quality of their product and, maybe, cross their fingers a bit.

At Gauthier’s shop near Kaiser Mobil Mart on U.S. 61 North in Natchez, shoppers can register for a $100 prize pack of fireworks with each purchase.

Gauthier also wants parents to realize that a trip to the fireworks stand is still an affordable way to get a few smiles this weekend. He said children can load up on fireworks for $20.

“That will buy a nice bag of fireworks,” Gauthier said. “A kid can leave here happy.”

And that’s Gauthier’s goal, he said, making children smile.

Gauthier said he is still amazed that the snap-pop fireworks have been so popular for decades. He said people also ask for other traditional fireworks like Roman candles and bottle rockets.

“And these here, I can’t keep them,” Gauthier said, holding up sparklers about the length of a yardstick. “I call them Texas sparklers because they’re so big. Little kids like them because they don’t get their fingers burned.”

Gauthier said he thinks fireworks are all about entertaining children, but he insists that parents accompany children purchasing fireworks.

Scott Johnese of Natchez works at a family-run fireworks tent on U.S. 61 North, owned by Louisiana Fireworks.

Johnese said Roman candles, bottle rockets, cakes and tanks are still selling well in spite of the economy.

“People will buy fireworks no matter what time of year,” Johnese said.

But the patriotic season has encountered yet another twist this year. Drought conditions led area officials to strongly caution against, though not ban, the use of fireworks.

Officials advised that anyone firing fireworks make sure a water source is nearby.

“Watch where you are shooting the fireworks,” Johnese said. “It’s been hot and there hasn’t been much rain, so shoot fireworks on concrete or something that won’t burn — not a dry, grassy area. And especially be careful with the cakes and artillery shells.”

Johnese said Louisiana Fireworks, located across from Eagle Electric and United Medical, will match prices. But For Johnese, fireworks are more about the kids than dollars and cents.

“I got some for my little boy,” Johnese said. “He just likes the noise. You can make a kid smile without spending $100,000.”

In Concordia Parish, Brenda Talbot mans the fireworks tent located at Donald’s Camper Village. Talbot believes when it comes to fireworks, safety should be the first priority.

“My big advice,” Talbot said, “Have that water hose ready. Things can get out of hand very quickly.”

Talbot also suggested keeping a large bucket full of water available to submerge used fireworks.

“They can be just like coals when you barbecue,” Talbot said. “And make sure an adult is shooting the fireworks. I know it’s fun for kids, but it is dangerous.”

Talbot said her biggest sellers are artillery shells, Roman candles and water fireworks called “Little Dynamite.”

“Kids love these,” she said. “They are fairly safe for older kids.”

Sales will pick up this weekend, stand owners said, but they likely won’t match sales from the busier season, New Year’s.

“Here in the South, fireworks can be enjoyed in the winter,” Talbot said. “I think more people are apt to get out when it’s cooler instead of so hot like this. Also, during the Christmas season, people are in a joyous mood and will spend more money.”