Tents go up and fireworks come out
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The spark of joy that a child gets from a firework is the main reason Jared Lankford, area manager for Hales Firework tents, is in the business.
The first step to a Fourth of July celebration
staple in every community in America in the heat of the summer are the massive tents stuffed with fireworks for everyone’s pleasure on the Fourth of July. Every Fourth of July celebration is different and every party host has a specific plan for their event. From the big final booms to the warm up sparklers that children play with, the firework tents as well as the people working them have all the answers. Jared Lankford, area manager for Hales Fireworks, said he has been running a fireworks tent for 17 years. “I have nine tents that I am responsible for,” he said. “In life, people try to bring joy and happiness to those around them. But, that takes on different forms for different people.” For Jared, great childhood memories include the hours spent in fireworks tents. “The first time a child throws a snapper and laughs and giggles at its pop gives me joy,” he said. “The firework industry has evolved over the years and now people use them to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and even gender reveals. Fireworks are always finding new ways to incorporate fun into the different aspects of life.” Fireworks is the nice way that Jared uses to bring joy to people. “You sell them what they want and need,” he said. “You can’t push what you like onto someone, part of the fun is learning what will bring them the most joy.” But, Jared also stays completely transparent about the products he sells. “If they are good I will promote them, but I also never lie about what a
Story by Jordan Privett
firework will do,” he said. “That is how you keep your customers happy and build what we have built over the years.” In 17 years Jared has faced a number of changes in his industry, but one change was completely unpredictable— COVID-19. “We will follow social distancing regulations and sanitize the baskets,” he said. “Thankfully in a firework tent we are in open air, so that will make it easier to follow social distancing rules.” Between self quarantine and stay-athome orders, most people are ready to get out again and celebrate in some way. “The Fourth of July will be one of the first chances for people to get out again,” he said. “I get to be on the scene of that! “People are looking for a reason to celebrate, and Independence Day has always been about that kind of celebration.” Jared is confident the season will be good. “Fourth of July is on a Saturday this year, which is great,” he said. “And if you think about it fireworks are the ultimate social distancing celebration. “People can stay within their family units and spread out from other people, people usually do that anyway when watching fireworks.” Jared says he believes it will be a good way to move into phase two of COVID-19 recovery. Fireworks tents in Missouri can open on June 20 to July 10. Hales firework tents are open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-midnight. People can follow the Facebook page Lankford Fireworks proudly representing Hales Fireworks or call 417389-0152. n
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