Balfours Celebrate 50 Years of Helping People Celebrate

The year was 1776. The action was primarily done in secret, until July 4 when the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved and published.

More than 200 years later, the significance of July 4 remains in the hearts of many. Their recognition of the historic significance is still seen in the people lighting sparklers and bursts of color following a family barbecue. In Sidney, the Balfour family has its own legacy, serving fireworks customers for at least 50 years.

"We're selling to third generation kids now," Carrie Balfour said.

Bob and Carrie Balfour have been selling Fourth of July noisemakers - firecrackers, sparkers, whistlers and a host of other legal incendiary products popular for celebrating the United States' Declaration of Independence - since their property was on the south end of Sidney. The enterprise started as a fundraiser for the Optimist Club. When the club ended, the Balfours met with the distributor who suggested since they have been selling the fireworks, why not continue as a private enterprise.

The enterprise started adjacent to the bowling alley, later moving to the white shack the Balfours are known for. In all, the family has served the area's celebratory desires for about 50 years.

"It is a lot of hard work, 10 days of actual selling, then you can relax a little," said Carrie Balfour.

In the half-century of service, the family has accrued its own legacy with about 100 years of military service through 10 members of the Balfour family. Bob Balfour can still recall his experiences. The experiences can only be shared by the distant look in his eyes, except for with the few who know his story intimately.

"I get awful emotion. I've seen enough of this," he said, referring to military action.

They display flags of the branches of American service near the fireworks shack.

Some of the products they sell are chosen because of their support. One product supports Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a program that raises funds for scholarships in support of children of fallen soldiers. The mission of Folds of Honor is to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America's fallen and disabled servicemen," according to the organization's website.

The stand isn't just a part-time enterprise. It is a platform for random civics lessons when Bob would ask young customers the significance of how the flag is folded, and why we celebrate July 4. Customers who return with the right answer were frequently rewarded. The enterprise is as much fun for the family as it is for the customers. Bob Balfour recalls the a customer years ago, a young boy with one penny, determined to buy a "One Penny." There was also a time when a young customer came to the already famous location, purchased his goods and left. Checking his bag moments later, he found a few more "toys" than he purchased and returned to the Balfours, asking them to take them back because he couldn't take what he didn't purchase.

"I think we've had as much fun as the kids have had," he said.

Celebrating their 50th year selling fireworks, they will have a book of memories at the fireworks stand.