around town
FIREWORKS
Red Apple
Photo by Anthony Da Cruz on Unsplash
Fireworks Business sparks up in time for the 4th of July
words and photos by TERRY RICHARDS
With the Fourth of July coming up , America is turning to an ancient Chinese tradition to celebrate its breakaway from the British Empire . Fireworks were invented in China centuries ago , spreading to the outside world through Arab traders . The first major celebration of America ’ s Independence Day came in 1777 , years before the outcome of the war of independence was sure .
Now , this ancient Chinese secret provides a business with its stock-in-trade . Red Apple Fireworks was born in 1979 in Detroit by the parents of Mike and Doug Burda , brothers and current owners of the company .
“ We also did things like party rentals , but as fireworks grew in popularity , we specialized ,” Mike said .
The business — selling fireworks to the general public — moved to Las Vegas , Nevada , in 2010 , along with Doug . The business has expanded with a second location — in Valdosta , near Interstate 75 ’ s Exit 22 .
Doug said the company was “ very analytical in how we scale ” in choosing a location in Lowndes County . Everyone at the city and local level helped get the store opened .
Red Apple only sells consumer-grade fireworks to the general public and isn ’ t involved in selling
8 Valdosta Scene | July 2022