LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A fireworks stand raising money for Brown’s Gymnastics on Decatur is back this year after high winds destroyed the setup in 2025, costing organizers a day of sales.
Justin Drake, a father of a gymnast at Brown’s Gymnastics, said a microburst swept through last year with winds reaching 40 to 50 miles per hour, blowing the entire stand across the road. His wife called him for help, but the stand was already torn apart by the time he arrived.
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“It just was a freak accident that happened,” Drake said. “I think that day was 40 to 50 mile an hour winds, I believe. So, hopefully we don’t have that this year.”
Despite the loss of a full selling day, Drake said the product itself survived the storm intact.
Sandbags, long shifts and a familiar goal
This year, organizers are using sandbags to keep the stand in place. Conditions have been more manageable, though one canopy blew away early on.
Parents are volunteering in shifts — from as early as 6 a.m. to midnight — with two people working at a time. Drake said staffing increases as the Fourth of July approaches.
“We’re here from 8 a.m. or 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. every single day,” Drake said. “We’re working three-hour shifts, two people at a time. And later on in the week, when it gets closer to 4th of July, there’ll be three people here for every shift.”
The fundraising effort comes ahead of America 250 competitions. Funds raised go directly into personal booster accounts that parents can draw from to cover hotels, airfare, and other competition-related expenses throughout the year.
A level 10 gymnast with college programs taking notice
Drake’s daughter began gymnastics at age two. She is now a Level 10 competitor and has drawn interest from college programs.
“We do everything we can as parents to give her the life that she wants,” Drake said. “And she has to go out and work for it. And she does her part in the gym and we do our part as supportive parents.”
Drake said he is hopeful his daughter can earn a scholarship.
The fireworks stand is located in the Sam’s Club parking lot near Spring Mountain Road and Rainbow. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight through July 4, while supplies last.
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