The Fireworkz Store helps Feeding South Dakota

Patrons to The Fireworkz Store locations helped them gather food for Feeding South Dakota this fireworks season.

Dale Cook, who manages the business’s location in front of the Tea Athletic Complex, said owner Mike Denning has been holding a non-perishable food drive for the last four years.

“He’s always trying to increase the amount every year. His goal for this year was 3,000 pounds out of all eight stores,” Cook said.

For those that brought in five canned goods by July 1, they received 25 percent off their order. While the offer may be over, Cook said people can still bring food to any of their locations through July 5.

Besides this location, The Fireworkz Store also has locations at the Marlin’s parking lot off the Tea exit, Brandon Exit 406, Uncle Ed’s Specialty Meats in Sioux Falls, Harrisburg next to Subway, Rennes next to Safari Bar & Grill, Lake Madison and Lake Okoboji,

Cook said the location by the Tea Athletic Complex is in its second year. They started selling fireworks June 27 and will sell through July 5, which are the legal dates to sell fireworks to South Dakota residents. Eight employees work at this location.

While it has been a slow start, Cook said that is usual. Most people wait to buy their fireworks closer to the 4th and the recent heat has not helped either.

“People are working and have weekend plans and don’t think about their festive purchases until a couple days before,” Cook said.

When he’s not selling fireworks, Cook does some backend work for his wife’s business, Exit Realty, and runs a snow removal business in the winter. During the summer he has more time to sell fireworks and put on professional shows like the one at Teapot Days.

“It’s fun. I have the second best job in the world I tell people. I get to sell fireworks. Best job is lighting the fuse,” Cook said.