Business is booming at local fireworks stands; people encouraged to use fireworks safely

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) – Business is booming at firework stands across the Lowcountry as the July 4 holiday nears.

Hippie Grippie Fireworks, located on Redbank Road near Goose Creek High School, has been operating its fireworks stand in that area for nearly 50 years. Combining the New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July holidays, they’ve been operating for 95 seasons.

Grippie Lawson III said this is a family-run business.

“This is all family. I can’t hardly hire anybody that’s not family or that I don’t consider family,” he said. “I have my brother running a stand, I run a stand, my dad runs a stand – my cousin runs this stand for my grandmother.”

They open for business every fireworks holiday and said people need to stay safe while having fun and using fireworks.

“There is nothing in here that you are allowed to hold with your hands, except a sparkler,” he said. “So do not hold fireworks in your hands.”

He added, “People get hurt every year with fireworks. There’s no reason for it. Don’t go looking over a firework that’s been lit to see if it’s gonna go off or it’s a dud. It’s not worth it. Pour water on it. I’ll replace it. We have no duds. I have a no-dud guarantee here. Safety is the most important thing.”

Just down the road from Grippie’s stand is the Goose Creek Rural Fire Department where Chief Bob Maibach said he has seen the results of people not staying safe with fireworks.

“I’ve seen individuals burned a number of different ways. Putting them in their pockets- when they stay in your pocket for a long period of time, they can become unstable. Things like surface burns, skin burns can happen. Just improperly, shooting them off, allowing young children access to fireworks,” he said.

He advises people to be aware of their surroundings and use common sense when igniting fireworks.

“These are great products that are designed for us to have a good time and to be able to celebrate the way you want to celebrate this great country of ours.”

If you prefer watching fireworks and not setting them off yourself, you can visit one of the many July 4 fireworks celebrations happening across the area. Click here for a list .

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