Staff photo by Clay Schuldt It takes a strong family to sell fireworks around the 4th of July. Three generations of the Miller family is working the TNT Fireworks tent in the New Ulm Walmart parking lot. (L to R: Henrey Koester, Curt Miller, Emma Miller, Finlay Sobania, Isabelle Miller, Ezra Sobania, Jessie Sobania, Isla Sabania, Matt Sobania, Rohan Sobania.

NEW ULM — With the Fourth of July a week away, firework sales are booming.

Several retail stores have fireworks for the holiday. For the last few years, TNT Fireworks has opened a tent sales in the Walmart parking lot. The tent is operated by Curt Miller and his family who helped set up inventory. Miller has 10 children and several grandchildren in patriotic clothes helping him in the tent.

His daughter Jessie Sobania said they have a great variety of fireworks for sale. New this year is the Centennial Fireworks, which are exclusive this year. The firework is intended for the big finale at the end of a fireworks display. Another popular finale firework is the “Don’t You Wish.”

Another favorite of Minnesota residents is the “Purple Rain.” This firework is exactly what the name described. The product is named after the Prince album and rains down purple color. Curt Miller said this one sold very well following Prince’s death.

With COVID-19 an ongoing concern, the Miller family is changing how the TNT tent operates. They will be wearing masks and the tent will be marked for social distancing. For those who don’t want to enter the tent, vehicle-side service will be offered.

Sobania said people can order want from the TNT flyer and they will deliver to the car.

Miller said there is even a phone application that allows customers to see a product in action before buying. A customer scans the product with their phone and is shown a video of the firework in action before buying.

A special coupon is available at the TNTfireworks.com website. Customers that print out the coupon and bring it in will receive a $20 discount on sales of $100.

It is uncertain how COVID-19 will impact firework sales, but the family is confident people will still be in the mood to celebrate.

“I think it will be okay,” Sobania said. “I think people are ready to celebrate.”

Also, fireworks spectators typically view fireworks from afar, meaning social distancing is already a feature of this holiday tradition.

The TNT Fireworks tent will be open noon to 9 p.m. through July 5 with special 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. hours on July 3 and July 4. July 3 and July 4 are the busiest days for firework sales. The family recommends coming before to ensure the product they want is still in stock.

Miller said if there are still customers buying fireworks past 9 p.m. they will continue to sell.