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Bangs for bucks

Fireworks can be seen before exploded at TNT

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt TNT Fireworks has again pitched its tent in the Walmart parking lot west of New Ulm, but this year the fireworks store has been taken over by a new operator.

NEW ULM– Independence Day is less than a week away meaning the TNT Fireworks tent has returned to town.

For the last several years, TNT Fireworks shop operated a sales tent in the Walmart parking lot. In previous years, the tent was run by the Miller family but this year Lacey Jenson has taken over the operation.

This is Jenson’s first year in the fireworks business but she is excited to be part of the July Fourth tradition.

“My family is traditional,” she said. “We always had the Fourth of July party with fireworks. It really brings people together for a patriotic celebration. I like being part of that.”

Jenson said they sell all kinds of fireworks for all ages and all price ranges. TNT has the standard sparklers and the large fountain-style pyrotechnics.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Lacey Jenson with TNT Fireworks stands next to a display of assorted fireworks. The stand open for operation this week in the Walmart parking lot.

“We have the maximum charge allowed by law,” she said.

Asked to name her favorite style of firework, Jenson was unable to pick one, saying she loved them all, but was a fan of the “Countdown.” This firework includes a number board. As the fuse burns down, each number lights up to countdown until the main charge ignites.

Jenson said with younger people, the Tank is popular. This firework is shaped like a small military tank. After the fuse is lit, miniature explosive charges fire out of the tank barrel.

One of the new items to the TNT tent is the Mighty Sword. Jenson described it as a large sparkler. The sword tip is lit, and a fountain of sparks shoots out the end, while the user safely holds the hilt.

Jenson said the top-selling item is the assorted fireworks packs.

“That’s where you get the most bang for your buck,” she said. “There is something for everyone in the assortment pack.”

One of the greatest challenges in buying or selling fireworks is knowing what the end product will look like. The packaging will show a picture of the firework in action, but sometimes this isn’t enough to show the full brilliance. Fortunately, modern technology has provided a workaround. TNT Fireworks has a special phone app that lets customers see individual fireworks in action before they buy.

Customers scan a bar code and then the phone camera will show what that firework will do when lit. The app will allow a user to simulate a full fireworks show on their phone. It is a useful app for planning firework displays.

The TNT Fireworks tent will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through July 5.

Starting at $4.50/week.

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