BellCampo Firecracker Company has been a mainstay for the Fourth of July for many years.
In fact, this year, the family behind the fireworks stand celebrates their 25th year in Sayre City Park.
In that time, Christy (Hearn) Bell and her extended crew have watched children get their first sparklers and then grow up to bring their own children to the stand to get their first.
“We are Sayre people,” Bell said. “It is a crazy couple of weeks when we go live at the park to run the stand, but we have watched generations come through here.”
Bell’s mother originally started the stand.
When her mother decided she wanted to retire, Bell and her husband Bryant felt the need to continue the service for the community.
“It’s been a family tradition,” Bell laughed.
Throughout most of the year, Bell focuses on raising goats — a business she is passionate about. But her eye is always on ordering the best fireworks for the Fourth of July.
“We try to ensure we have the best — from sparklers to artillery. Everyone wants different things for the Fourth,” she said.
Bell says she couldn’t do this annual project without the help of her daughters.
“Riley and Mason are essential,” Bell explained. “We stay down here in a camper, so there is so much family time. It is hot, and we work hard but make it work. Now, this year Riley is pregnant with our first grandchild. We will do a gender reveal with fireworks, so we also decided to add that for the public. If you have a gender reveal coming up, come talk to us. The stuff we have is pretty neat.”
Each year, the family meets multiple travelers also staying at Sayre Park. The sense of community is strong.
“You never know who you will meet coming through. That is kind of the fun of this time of year,” she said.
BellCampo will stay open until the evening of the Fourth of July.
