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May Brothers Fireworks expands to new generation, Louisiana
SIKESTON -- In 1969 the May Brothers, Alfred and Lewis, of Sikeston were looking for a way to make some spending money for the summer. It was then they decided since they lived on Highway 60 it would be a good location for a fireworks stand.
Fast forward to 47 years later and May Brothers is still going strong in Sikeston and a new generation of May Brothers, Garrett and Gavin, now have locations throughout Louisiana.
"It has been a lot of years and a lot of work," said Alfred. "We had great customers and we just stayed with it. I've sold to four generations of some families."
In 1969, with the help of their mother to drive them, they opened their first stand built out of used lumber and tin from a pile out back. After a couple of years in the front yard they moved to town and serve the Sikeston and Miner area, where they can still be found today.
"When we started we had snakes, sparklers, roman candles and firecrackers," Alfred said. "Now everything is bigger and better. It is completely different."
While the fireworks may be different, one thing that has remained the same is the May Brothers. Only now, Garrett and Gavin have taken over and the business has expanded.
"They are in Louisiana and our buying power has really stepped up," Alfred said. "Since they came down here they've taken it to new heights."
Garrett and Gavin, have taken their New Orleans operations and it has become their full-time business with eight locations throughout the New Orleans area.
While they have many stores in Louisiana, Sikeston is still their main location.
"We still have lots of family in the area," Alfred said. "It's still family owned and operated. Sikeston is where we started and it definitely means a lot to us. We appreciate everyone that has shopped with us and we keep our prices down and everyone knows that."
The May Brothers stand is located at the Miner Food Giant along East Malone.