Marble Falls firework show fizzles out

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - Ron Matlock and son Ronnie, 12, stared out across Highway 1431 at the lighted bank sign blinking 102 degrees.

Ron sighed, knowing it was only noon. Business would pick up as the sun went down.

"Next week, if it's a good one, I can make anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000," said Ron.

For eleven days during the past 16 summers, Ron has picked the same spot just south of Kingsland, Texas for his fireworks stand.

"People like to come buy from me because it reminds them of being a kid," said Ron.

His main competitors have always been the city-hosted fireworks shows on July 4. This year, one of the largest is leaving that list.

"We just don't have enough money to keep our show going this year," said Christian Fletcher, executive director of the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce .

The 12-minute show costs about $15,000, and Fletcher said its future depends on the community because the chamber no longer has the finances to contribute.

"I've fielded plenty of calls," said Fletcher. "People are a little upset, but it really boils down to the economy."

"We are seeing more people this year, a lot more," said Ronnie.

Their roadside stand always attracted its share of customers, but Ron said the Marble Falls announcement should push more people to create their own fireworks displays.

"Outside of the Marble Falls city limits, we're the closest stand for those people," said Ron. "I look to make an even bigger chunk of change this year."

Burnet County Commissioners declared a burn ban Friday, as record temperatures and a near-historic drought roll on.

"That ban won't change anything with people buying fireworks," said Commissioner Bill Neve. "We would have had to institute that before June 15 to have it in effect for July 4, according to the State. Still, we hope people will be extra careful, as I'm sure they'll be buying more fireworks of their own instead."

Ron said he is banking on that prediction.

"I love fireworks," said Ron. "If people from Marble Falls want to love fireworks, too, they should buy them here."

Marble Falls Fire Rescue reminded residents this week it is still illegal to sell, keep, store, transport, discharge or possess any type of firework within city limits.

Fire officials said Independence Day produces more U.S. fires than on any other day, and fireworks account for at least half of those fires.

In addition, 60 percent of injuries from fireworks in the United States occur during the month of July, making it the riskiest consumer product for death due to fire.

Marble Falls, Burnet and Dripping Springs are among the Central Texas cities canceling fireworks displays this year. The shows will continue in Llano, Kingsland, Johnson City, Horseshoe Bay, Lampasas, Spicewood and Bertram.

Interactive map of continuing firework shows:

View Canceled fireworks in a larger map