For the past 12 years, Gary Crum and his family have been selling fireworks seasonally. And with the Fourth of July approaching, Crum said business is picking up.

“Our biggest selling days will of course be Wednesday and Thursday,” Crum said while in his temporary store, located next to Dave’s Market in Valley Grande. “Since we opened Saturday, we’ve been having a steady amount of people come in to buy fireworks, or just look.”

Among items sold at Crum’s temporary location are artillery shells, accessory packs, sparklers and a host of other merchandise. On average, Crum said customers spend about $30.

“All of the merchandise is brand new and most of it is Black Cat brand, which is top of the line,” Crum said. “Most of the people who come in and shop here are surprised by the amount of variety we have.”

Out of all the fireworks vendors in Selma and Dallas County, Crum said his family is the only locals that come back each year to sell. Other vendors, he explained, mostly come from Birmingham or other areas around the state.

“The other folks selling fireworks, they’re not from the area, but I have to see these people 365 days a year — so I aim to give a good price,” he said with a laugh. “I want to offer the best products, and I want to offer them at a reasonable cost.”

Gary’s daughters, Alesia and Paullesia, also help him with the seasonal business venture. Because so many people come in to purchase fireworks, Crum said he and his family will be spending much of their Fourth of July holiday in shop.

“We’ll be celebrating the Fourth right here,” he said with a smile. “We usually have church members come and bring us food.”

Opening at 8 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Crum said he plans to keep his doors open until late in the night, so people can stop by and purchase items.

“A lot of families have come in already to get fireworks,” he said. “And it’s been people of all ages — older people like fireworks just as much as the young kids. I’m just happy to be a part of the holiday.”