SAN ANTONIO – Abel Losoya was stocking up for one dynamite party.
"It's just a little birthday party," he said. "Go celebrate, say 'Happy birthday, America,' that's it," he said.
Losoya was among the Fourth of July parade of people visiting roadside fireworks stands located outside city limits.
In past years, parched land and drought rules dried up sales. This year, business is booming.
"I think that's what's making a difference," said Mike Arocha with Mr. W Fireworks on FM 1957. "Since we had a little bit of rain, that helped out a lot."
The celebration of red, white and blue is generating some green. The American Pyrotechnics Association predicts consumers would spend a record $675 million on things that go snap, crackle and pop.
"I like sparklers," said Elisa Ramos.
For Elisa and her dad, Eddie Ramos, the firecracker ritual is all in the name of good, safe family fun.
"You just have to have to water hose handy just in case," Ramos said.
It is illegal to buy, transport or use fireworks inside the city limits. Violators can be fined up to $2,000, which can burn a hole in your pocket.
George Valdez said he plans to celebrate with a bang, and, as it turns out, a little patriotic pride.
"You look at them and you go, 'Wow, that's really cool,'" he said. "And, that means something, just how great it is to live here."