Blanchard Fireworks Stand Lights Up Community Spirit For Nearly 40 Years

What began as a love for Independence Day has transformed into a long-standing family tradition for Blanchard residents, thanks to Houston Heidelberg. Since opening his fireworks stand in 1985, Heidelberg's business has flourished beyond his expectations.

“When I was 14, my dad helped me. We got a license to sell fireworks,” Heidelberg recalled.

Located just half a mile west of downtown Blanchard, Heidelberg has been selling fireworks for nearly 40 years. "When I started, I had one 16-foot stand," he said. "The business grew over the years and eventually Blanchard became really about fireworks and our freedom."

As demand skyrocketed, Heidelberg found it challenging to keep up. “I added young people who I knew from the community, and that's helped me grow my business,” he explained.

"There's folks that have worked for me 30 to 40 years now that started out when I was young, they were also young."

The business has become a multi-generational affair. “I have three or four generations that buy from me now and trust me,” Heidelberg noted. "It's bigger than fireworks."

The tradition extends beyond fireworks sales. "We've been, over the years, feeding people free watermelon. They're hot, and they get water bottles and water from us," Heidelberg said.

The sense of community keeps residents returning annually. "People come out here and just feel safe hanging out for a little while. And to me, the customer that buys $10 or just window shops is just as important as somebody who loads up their truck," Heidelberg said.

Heidelberg's fireworks stand has not only become a business but a cornerstone of the Blanchard community, embodying the spirit of Independence Day and togetherness.