For one week a year, Russell and Debbie Snyder bring some holiday joy to both kids, and kids at heart.

It just so happens that holiday is Independence Day. 

For the last seven years, the Snyders have owned and operated Fireworks for Less at 2100 Main in Great Bend, which is open from June 27 to July 4 each year. Prior to that, Russell helped sell fireworks at C&S Fireworks in Great Bend for close to 20 years.

Russell said working with the public and having the chance to talk and interact with people are what keeps him coming back every year. He enjoys seeing regular customers come back and new faces walking through the door.

Debbie said she looks forward to seeing the excitement on the faces of the kids – and the kids at heart. For many families who come in, she said, this is their biggest holiday expense each year.

Fireworks for Less starts each year with a large warehouse packed wall-to-wall with products and, invariably every year, they sell out by the end of the day on Independence Day, she said.

Russell also likes being able to offer a variety of new products each year. This year, they have over 600 different products in stock.

“Every year it gets bigger and better,” Debbie said.

Russell said they strive to provide customers with the best possible shopping experience. They provide free bottled water for customers while they shop. “(We want) to make it easy shopping, friendly shopping, make it fun.”

For the other 51 weeks each year, Russell repairs and replaces car windshields at Windshields for Less at the same location, and Debbie works as a nurse at Clara Barton Medical Clinic in Hoisington.

“We keep busy doing many different things,” Russell said.

Fireworks for Less will be open today from 8 a.m. to midnight, and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday, July 4.