HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. -- If you feel the urge to buy Artillery Shells, Warhawk Missiles, B-29 Bombers or even an 8-Shot Hurricane at 3 a.m., you need look no further than “Crazy Carl’s” fireworks stand off Highway 90.
Despite the fact that both Bay St. Louis and Waveland have banned fireworks sales and use this year, fearing the possibility of a conflagration starting in the debris of Hurricane Katrina, "Crazy Carl's" has found a legal niche by getting a permit to set up shop on a slice of county land near the border between the two cities.
"Crazy Carl's” normally operates two or three stands in this area, but this year the company owned by Carl Hodges (aka "Crazy Carl") has set up only one red-and white-striped tent.
“It’s a little slow this year, but we’re doing all right,” says manager Mike Dean, who treks in daily from Pearl River, La.
The brightly lit tent opened Dec. 26 and will remain open 24 hours a day until late on New Year’s Eve.
Locals are stopping by to pick up single fireworks for as little as 15 cents and, for those planning more elaborate celebrations, monstrous boxes containing more than 15,000 individual fireworks for $175.
Chris Kerlee was pleased after spending $45 on an assortment of fireworks. “That’s economic shopping,” he said with a smile as he bundled the large box into his arms.
As Dean, his son, Tyler, and his fiancée, Heather, prepared to hand the reins to an employee who works the night shift, they said they feel they're filling a need despite the cities' fireworks bans.
“People really need the celebration this year, after the tragedy,” said Heather, who was among those who lost a home to Katrina. “People need something to help them forget … even if it’s just for one night.”
4 months later: A brighter 2006?
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Fireworks on New Years Eve? What a concept. Break it down to the bare essentials. Have a litte responsible fun. Note the word responsible. Maybe the reflection will make the piles of trash look better for some. Must be some southerners up here in New Hampshire, cuz I heard some fireworks tonight already.
Lee
Lee Chasse, Rochester, NH (Sent Dec 30, 2005 9:52:23 PM)
Haven't heard that anything was burned down last night because of the fireworks being shot off. There was so much fog and dampness that I am sure that helped keep sparks from setting anything off.
Oh, and by the way - in answer to some posts that have been made that people are tired of seeing their tax $$$ go for support of us stupid southern people that didn't have the sense to evacuate. Well, I evacuated, I came back, found that the rental house I am living in survived with only bad roof damage and the house I was building was severely damaged and went under 8 feet of water. But wait --- don't be concerned that I will try to take anything from you. Two bags of ice is all I took, the rest of the repairs that are not covered by insurance will come out of my pocket. None of your tax money will have to be used to help this old lady! But sure wish you would come here and take a look at those less fortunate and who can't get back on their feet without some help!
Marcella, Pass Christian, MS (Sent Jan 1, 2006 7:01:23 PM)
fireworks are fun
if used right buy the directions
we all knoe not 100 percent safe
we should try to get em legalised in all 50 states in the
usa
you can start buy wrighing letters
and sending faxes and emails
to your local law makers in your state capital
telling them why you want fireworks legalised in your sttate
chad (Sent Jan 1, 2007 11:52:10 PM)
I manage and run a fireworks stand in south Louisiana for the pass 16 years and every season it is always the same RAIN! Christmas season is no different it's hot wet then cold and wet. 4th of July season is Hot wet and sometimes tropical stormish. We all love fireworks! To watch or do ourselves it is all for fun. Our fore fathers started this tradition with the intent for celebration and most had nothing but pride for there country! Now slowly there hopes are being destroyed by people who fear life! I know there are people out there who cannot behave in a reasonable mannor I deal with these people every day in life and so do millions of other people. The good have to pay for the bad and Fireworks are getting the bad wrap. So remember use common sense and read your products and have fun!!!!
Lisa Galliano, Louisiana (Sent Jun 26, 2007 5:52:40 PM)
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