Pandemic prompts changes for Borderland fireworks stands

VINTON, Texas -- There will be social distancing at all TNT Firework stands around the Borderland this year.

The area manager for TNT Fireworks, Fernie Viramontes, has been planning a safer way to sell during the Covid-19 era.

He has been in contact with county leaders to explain the new procedures they will be implementing and also setup a mock stand to demonstrate to them.

“There would only be one sales person per window and the red tape means there is six feet distance between each customer that lines up.  The buckets are spaced six feet a part, so people will be lined up six feet apart and then we will bring them in one at a time, and then they will exit from the side of the stand,” Viramontes explained.

He believes the open communication between the county has been vital to reopening safely.

Viramontes said, “We’ve been very proactive on our side and they have been very receptive to listen to what we are trying to do to help.”

They are adding a curbside service where you can go online and order, then pick them up at their drive-thru.

Another change will be no more people shooting the fireworks off at the stands.  The sheriff's department will be patrolling areas where people gather to make sure the crowds are properly grouped.

The firework seller has also spoken to other vendors about best practices to slow the virus.

“We’ve all been talking, all the vendors and the community has been talking about this so I think we are going to be in good shape,” Viramontes shared.