CONROE – A fireworks outlet faces an uncertain future after being annexed into the City of Conroe where fireworks are illegal.
Rocket Fireworks is the Frazier family business, where it's been open 11 years and counting. The family has four times the customers they used to and planned continued growth in their location on Highway 105 in the shadow of Conroe.
However, city limits moved.
As of Jan. 1, Rocket Fireworks is inside the Conroe city limits where it's illegal to possess or use fireworks.
"We're going to look to rebuild," said co-owner Erik Frazier. "(We) just have to figure out and ask our clientele how far they are willing to travel."
Authorities gave the business five years to move. The only problem is many of their loyal customers now live in Conroe, too.
"It's definitely hitting a lot in the pocketbook," Frazier said. "We're selling a lot more (of the) smaller items vs. your big aerial stuff. I think a lot of people are going to try to get away with doing them on the sidewalk really low key."
"I don't know," said customer Camon Baldridge. "Fireworks are obviously a big tradition for a lot of people."
Some customers left with directions to places they can legally light firework fuses.
"We're going to take our boat out on the lake," Baldridge said. "And you got people shooting them off all around you. You're right in the middle of it. It's really nice."
Montgomery County Fire Marshals do not support consumer fireworks because of the hazard. They recommend people go see a professional display.
Selling fireworks, however, has become the Frazier family's way of life and they're concerned about losing customers.
So, wherever they move, it won't be far away, Erik Frazier said.
