The Fourth of July is big holiday for many businesses in Covington County but no one feels the “boom” quite like fireworks stands and shops.

Buddy’s Discount Fireworks in Florala has been open since 1969 and owner Buddy Holley says that it’s his mission to assure local families get the chance to celebrate the nation’s birthday with safe, affordable fireworks.

“I never sell a firework that I haven’t used myself,” Holley said. “I want families to have fun and I don’t sell those cheap, no-name brand fireworks just to make a quick buck.”

Holley said that celebrating the Fourth of July is important to him because of what the holiday signifies.

“It’s one of the most important things to happen to this nation, our independence,” Holley said. “In 1776, they celebrated with fireworks and it was like the birth of our nation. It means a lot to me to celebrate our nation and the freedoms we enjoy.

“It’s just a special time to celebrate with family and really to thank the military for all the things we take for granted.”

The military is a big part of Holley’s love for the holiday, too.

“While we’re having fun, they’re out there protecting us and I think a lot of times they’re taken for granted,” Holley said of the military.

Holley said that his love for fireworks is what drives him to keep prices affordable so that families get to enjoy a holiday like Independence Day.

“We’ve been here for 50 years and we try to hold our prices down as much as possible,” Holley said. “We have the largest selection in 100 miles and the most variety than anyone around.”

Opp’s Arctic Blasts’ owner Dan Copen shares Holley’s sentiments on Independence Day.

“I grew up loving fireworks and the idea of the Fourth and independence, all of it,” Copen said. “To be able to open a business that gets to help people celebrate that holiday is so huge for us. This isn’t even work for me. We just want to help people celebrate patriotism and this great country.”

Copen said that Arctic Blast currently has promotional sales ongoing for a number of fireworks including finale cakes, multi-areal packs and huge reliable canister packers.

Another thing that Arctic Blast does is include sales taxes into the sticker price so that the price you see on a firework is the price you pay.

“We try to keep our product at comparable prices but still with great quality,” Copen said.

Arctic Blast is located at 806 U.S. Hwy 331 S in Opp and can be reached at 334-343-4907.

Buddy’s Discount Fireworks is located at 1219 4th Street in Florala and can be reached at 334-858-6623.