PHOTO GALLERY: Firework sales begin in Missouri despite drought conditions

June 22, 2012 | 4:22 p.m. CDT

Friday marked the beginning of Missouri's period for selling fireworks. Vendors' permits will expire July 10.

Compton’s Fireworks, a tent located on Rangeline Street north of Columbia, started the sale on Thursday. It is the first one of Compton’s Fireworks’ 100 tents that will be set up in Missouri. | Yi Gan

Stacks of bottle rockets were on sale in the tent of Compton’s Fireworks Thursday on Rangeline Street north of Columbia. According to Reuben Stokes, an employee of Compton’s Fireworks, the sale started on Wednesday, and will end on July 10. | Yi Gan

Scott Zerr, left, and Tom Whelan shop in Spirit of '76 to buy fireworks to sell at Mr. Whelan’s Fireworks, a tent in Cottleville. The tent will be set up on June 22.

Fireworks are displayed in Compton’s Fireworks’ tent Thursday. According to John Bechtold, owner of Spirit of '76, all the fireworks they supply to other stores and tents are imported from China. | Yi Gan