John Gentry, left, store manager at Dixieland Fireworks, inventories fireworks with helper Dustin Holland as they stock up for the holiday sales rush.Fireworks stores in East Ridge• Dixieland Fireworks, at 6703 Ringgold Road• Exit 1A Fireworks, at 6726 Ringgold Road• Phantom Fireworks, at 6515 Ringgold Road• TNT Fireworks, in the former Kmart store at 482 McBrien RoadWhat’s the law?:• Patrons may buy fireworks in East Ridge beginning July 1• However, they may not shoot fireworks within the city limits of East RidgeSource: City of East Ridge
East Ridge’s new fireworks retailers are hoping for booming sales as they stage their grand openings tomorrow and try to make up for lost time leading up to the July 4 holiday.
This Independence Day is the first time that fireworks may be legally bought in East Ridge, following the passage of a state law to allow the practice. Formerly, East Ridge residents could only see the rockets’ red glare if they were willing to buy them in the rural counties surrounding Chattanooga.
“We’re hoping that the store will really be hopping this week,” said David Beattie, divisional vice president of TNT Fireworks, which is opening its 20,000-square-foot location at midnight Sunday.
It will stay open 24 hours a day until the holiday has passed.