Fireworks sales skyrocket on Fourth of July
GALLATIN COUNTY
By 
Fireworks stand operator Terry Smith has had his hands full with a rush of customers. He's sold fireworks to raise money for the Bridger Ski Foundation for the past several years and says this Fourth of July sets a record.
"Today was the busiest so far, for me, that's for sure," says Smith.
Just because Smith has seen a steady stream of customers today doesn't mean it's been business as usual.
Last Sunday, he saw almost no business.
"We had three customers between two and four and none between four and six so, today has been a big change," says Smith.
With high fire danger, many folks are being more cautious this year.
"This year, we're choosing to pick fireworks that aren't too explosive or that don't fly up too high or go too far because of the fire danger," says customer Melissa Steinhauer.
Smith says he hears the concern from customers.
"Everyone that's coming in is asking how high to they go...They're worried about the wind blowing them into the forest and starting a fire," explains Smith.
That's not to say some aren't going all out.
"We usually do the same kind of fireworks every year and we haven't really done anything different this year," says customer Amber Muller.
Yet, when it comes to sales, Smith says one day just won't cut it.
"This is just three hours of a rush out of seven days, it's not going to make up for the sales that we usually get throughout the period," says Smith.
Slow sales for Smith means the Bridger Ski Foundation might have to hold a few more fundraisers to fill the coffers.