Springfield-area firework retailers are preparing for busy days ahead as Independence Day weekend approaches.

After several years of supply shortages due to COVID-19, local retailers are looking forward to offering a larger variety of products that customers look forward to.

"We're having a great year," said Colleen Paschke, manager of Big Daddy's Fireworks at 3660 W. Sunshine St. "We've got more stock than we've ever had post-COVID."

Big Daddy's Fireworks is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Brandon Corn, director of showroom operations at Fireworks Supermarket Springfield - East, echoed Pascke's enthusiasm despite a cost increase for getting products to the store this year.

"Transportation costs were up in regards to the supply chain, but we did a lot of things in preparation for what we expected ... the outcome of that was we have an unbelievable inventory for our customers," Corn said.

Fireworks Supermarket Springfield - East, located at 3010 N. Ingram Ave., is open 8 a.m. to midnight. Across Fireworks Supermarket Springfield's two locations, about 500 different items are available.

Traditionally, firework retailers see the most foot traffic on the weekend prior to July 4th. Due to when the holiday falls this year, retailers are predicting folks to start flocking to shops and tents on Friday.

Andrew Richardson, tent operator for R&R Fireworks, said while sales are as expected this year, he anticipates more folks to buy products closer to and during the weekend.

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"We believe people will shoot more (firework) shows than normal because how the days off align," Richardson said.

R&R Fireworks, a firework tent, is located at 3335 W. Sunshine St. The tent is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Sunday, July 4 and 9 a.m. to noon Monday, July 5. R&R Fireworks offers about 200 different products.

Richardson encouraged folks to get out early if they plan to buy fireworks to avoid the busy weekend crowds.

Other places to buy fireworks in Springfield:

It’s illegal to possess, manufacture, store, sell, handle or set off fireworks in the city of Springfield, with exceptions for permitted public displays and “novelty items" like snappers, party poppers, some sparklers, toy smoke devices or glowworms 

In unincorporated parts of Greene County, fireworks are legal year-round although revelers could be cited for disturbing the peace.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com