MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON — As Americans prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026, a longtime Reno County business is marking a milestone of its own.
Showalter Fireworks, founded by Steve and Peggy Showalter, is celebrating 39 years in business and looking ahead to its 40th anniversary next year. What began as a small fireworks stand north of Hutchinson has grown into a regional operation with eight company-owned retail locations, wholesale distribution in multiple states, and connections to large-scale fireworks displays across the country.
"We started out in just a little tiny building," Peggy Showalter said during a recent interview. "We've just grown huge."
The business began nearly four decades ago in a small open-sided structure north of Hutchinson. Since then, the company has expanded its facilities, added air-conditioned shopping areas, and embraced new technology to improve the customer experience.
One of the biggest changes in the industry, Showalter said, has been the use of QR codes on fireworks packaging. Customers can now scan a code with their phones and watch a video demonstration of the product before making a purchase.
"Used to, you'd walk in, pick up something and say, 'I wonder what this does,'" Showalter said. "Now you can see it."
The company is also emphasizing patriotic-themed products this year, with red, white and blue fireworks featured prominently at all of its locations in recognition of the nation's upcoming semiquincentennial celebration.
"Red, white and blue is the biggest thing," Showalter said. "You can start your celebration with it, end your celebration with it, or do your whole celebration red, white and blue."
Showalter Fireworks operates several seasonal stands in the Hutchinson area. The company's home stand north of Hutchinson and its South Hutchinson location at 915 North Main are opening early this weekend.
The main location will be open from 1 to 6 p.m., and the South Hutchinson location from 1 to 5 p.m. both days. The South Hutch location will reopen on June 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. All stands will open beginning on June 27 and will be open through July 4. You can see the hours of operation on their website at ShowalterFireworks.com.
In addition to selling fireworks, the company partners with nonprofit organizations that operate many of the stands as fundraisers. Groups benefiting from the arrangement include the Hutchinson High School Music Booster Club, the Knights of Columbus Holy Cross Council, local cheer and tumbling organizations, and a Masonic Lodge in Wichita.
"We really love our organizations," Showalter said. "They're wonderful to work with."
The family business has expanded beyond retail sales. Showalter Fireworks wholesales products year-round and works closely with Rainbow Fireworks, a company owned by Showalter's daughter and son-in-law. Rainbow Fireworks produces large public displays across multiple states, handling hundreds of shows during the Independence Day season.
Looking back on nearly four decades of business, Showalter said the growth was never part of the original plan.
"We had no clue," she said. "Who would have thought when we started buying $90 worth of fireworks so the kids could see something outside that it would grow into this?"
For Showalter, fireworks remain an enduring part of the Fourth of July tradition.
"It's hot dogs, potato salad and fireworks," she said. "They all go together."