By Ian Sparks

Eagle intern

The Fourth of July falls on Thursday of this week and millions across the nation will celebrate with barbecues, games and most importantly – fireworks.

While there are public fireworks shows put on by local governments throughout the country, there is nothing quite like lighting your own.

In Oxford and Lafayette County, there are a few fireworks stands for consumers to get their share of explosive entertainment. Crazy Rob’s Fireworks, for example, has stores in Oxford and Batesville with mobile stands in Sardis and Water Valley.

Other vendors include Firework City, a pop-up tent on Highway 6 West and County Road 160, which has a variety of products for firework connoisseurs ranging from bottle rockets to artillery shells.

While Firework City is a national brand, the staff for the Oxford location are very familiar with the area. The tent was opened in 2017 and is operated by David Odom, a native of Batesville, who has been in charge since 2019.

“We’re all from here. I’m from Batesville originally, started with the company in Marshall County and got to come back a few years ago,” Odom said.

He noted that out of all of his stock, one particular item seemed to be flying out the door.

“That one over there, Crazy Creatures, that one is the one that sells most. It shoots out 36 shots and it’s really cool,” he said.

Keep in mind, however, that shooting off your fireworks is not allowed within the city limits of Oxford. They are allowed in the county; however, with a lack of rain recently, caution is advised. Keep water nearby and do not shoot fireworks off near trees or dry grass or brush.