Fourth of July celebrations kick off across El Paso

It’s the busiest day of the year for the TNT Fireworks stand in Montana Vista.

“I love the Fourth of July, I just love selling fireworks to little kids or to grown ups,” fireworks vendor Angel Estrada said. “It’s just fun seeing the happiness on their faces. It just gives me joy.”

TNT Fireworks has been selling fireworks for the past seven days. Estrada believes they will be completely sold out before night fall.

For the second year in a row, fireworks will be allowed in unincorporated parts of the County. From 2011 – 2015 fireworks were banned by the County. Estrada said times were tough with the ban.

“It hurts everybody, especially us,” Estrada said. “Business (this year) has been really good, amazing. People come from out of town, and they ask ‘hey are you back?’ we’re back. Business is booming.”

Estrada estimates that an average sale is anywhere from $50 – $100.

“I’ve seen some big ballers. They’ve probably dropped about $2,200,” Estrada said. “They’ll be hear all night popping fireworks.”

Most El Pasoans go to the Montana Vista in far East El Paso County to celebrate by lighting fireworks. An added law enforcement presence is expected, as well as several street closures to protect homes in the Montana Vista area.

The following road closures will be in effect in Montana Vista starting at 8 p.m.

Stansbury Street (at the end of the street leading to the desert area)
Paseo Del Este (just east of Southview Road)
Flager Road (1.7 miles north of Montana)
Krag Street (near intersection of Marvin Lane)
Vista Del Este (near intersection of Marvin Lane)

Amara Cigarroa has lived in Montana Vista for 23 years. She said she thinks the road closure is a good idea.

“I don’t mind people coming out here and popping their fireworks because it’s fun for the kids,” Cigarroa said. “I think it’s just, for them to pick up after themselves.”

Cigarroa said she’s glad fireworks weren’t banned this year, she just wants people to be careful.

“It was so fun, I mean fireworks everywhere. You could pretty much just put your chair out on the lawn and you would see fireworks,” Cigarroa said. “Sometimes you didn’t even have to buy some because there was so many out, the sky just full of light.”

There will be 30 sheriff’s deputies and 20 state troopers in the Montana Vista area. They will be cracking down on drunk driving.