The sound of freedom

Despite the recession, many Lowcountry residents appear to be planning for an explosive Fourth of July.

Although many smaller cities around the country have had to scale back, Charleston's many celebrations are set to be the same as last year, if not larger.

Small firework stands around the city are seeing similar amounts of business as before. Locals in the business offered several reasons to what makes the holiday in Charleston seemingly "recession-proof."

"Charleston is a military town," said Jennifer Shockley, the assistant to the executive director of Summerville DREAM, a nonprofit that promotes the town. "There are a lot of people who live here who are affected by the military and who take a lot of pride from it."

Summerville's celebration is planned to surpass last year's, Shockley said. The city has more business sponsors and local restaurants serving, nearly eliminating outsourcing. They are also expecting more people because many residents can't spend money to travel this year, she said.

Dick Trammell, Patriots Point's interim executive director, said they anticipate a large crowd and they have the most sponsors ever this year. He said he believes even in the toughest of times, people need to take some form of a vacation.

"It's all about American freedom, and what better place to celebrate that freedom than a place like Patriots Point that is totally dedicated to the memory of all who have served for the protection of that freedom?" Trammell said. "Freedom is not free. Freedom requires sacrifice."

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey's staff assistant, Ryan Johnson, said the city also plans to have a celebration "on par" with last year's.

Driving in the area, it's hard to miss the small, temporary firework stands, with their flashy signs and big advertisements, sprouting up along busy street corners.

Cailyn Williams, a 20-year-old College of Charleston student, has worked at one of Rodney's Rockets many stands for four years. She said business has picked up this year compared with the past few.

"People love fireworks. They love blowing stuff up," Williams said. "Even if you might be having some money troubles, you can buy $5 worth of firecrackers and still have a really good time with it."

John Racioppa, who works a fireworks stand in Mount Pleasant a few weeks out of the year, has worked in the business for 10 years as a part of the Three Brothers Partnership. He attributes his sales to being the same as last year because people cherish the American tradition and the opportunity for families to spend time together.

Firecracker Bills, a year-round firework store on U.S. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, is an eclectic store filled with fireworks and plants, owned by "Firecracker Bill" Daniels and his wife Cheryl. Bill Daniels said he has worked to provide people with firework deals because although people are still celebrating, some are downsizing.

He said he too will be celebrating, but at work. He thinks people still want to experience the celebration of their American heritage and the fight for independence.

"Independence Day is huge for all of us," Shockley said. "We don't have to fight to speak our mind or celebrate our religion because our military is there to protect us. It's just nice to live in an independent country."