Stand spans the generations

MINER - Around here, the Mays Brothers Fireworks tent at the Piggly Wiggly is an icon signaling the beginning of summer.

Alfred Mays and his brother, Lewis Mays, began selling fireworks 33 years ago from a tent in front of their childhood home. "I was 9 years old and my brother was 12," Albert Mays recalled.

The tent has since become a familiar sight each year at Piggly Wiggly's lot where the Mays brothers have pitched their tent for the last 30 summers.

Among the Mays Brothers' fully-trained staff are representatives of the next generation of Mays. "We've got kids now that are ranging from 12 to 18," said Mays. "They've been raised in it."

Most of the Mays Brothers business comes by word of mouth spread by satisfied customers, according to Mays, who now finds himself selling fireworks to the grandchildren of some of his original customers.

Although Mays Brothers offers their fireworks at a 50 to 75 percent discount, Mays said it is important to them that they not only to provide bargains but good products as well - not just a pretty packaging.

"We're the only both locally owned and operated operation in Sikeston," he added, "and we put our money back in the community." Mays said some of the proceeds raised by the fireworks stand each year go to support the Sikeston Bulldog Booster Club.

The biggest day of this year for the stand will be July 3 when rodeo clown Rick Young will be at the tent signing autographs all day, Mays predicted.