A temporary fireworks tent owned by Iowa Fireworks Co. has been set up along First Avenue South near Valvoline Express Care.

It opened at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

“We had people here this morning before we were even set up,” said Josh Hays, who is helping to manage the tent. “It’s been crazy.”

Hays said his wife’s cousins are involved in Iowa Fireworks Co.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Heather Hutchinson and Matt Knowles, both of Fort Dodge, look over the selection of fireworks available at the Iowa Fireworks Co. on First Avenue South east of South 25th Street. It became legal Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. to sell fireworks in Iowa from temporary structures.

“They asked my wife if we wanted to manage the Fort Dodge tent, and of course she said, ‘Yes, we’d love to,'” he said.

Hays said sales had been steady throughout the day.

The most popular items are the bigger ones, Hays said.

Kameron Clum, of Fort Dodge, was on the lookout for a kit big enough for his upcoming Fourth of July party. He settled on a box called Locked and Loaded.

“This one has 24 different fireworks,” he said.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen A selection of now-legal fireworks are shown Tuesday afternoon in the tent of the Iowa Fireworks Co. along First Avenue South in Fort Dodge. They include firecrackers, bottle rockets and a selection of mortars that shoot sparks into the air.

Clum had scouted out the store earlier in the day.

“It’s my second time back here today,” he said.

The Locked and Loaded piece sells for $79.97.

The most expensive kit for the serious fireworks fans is called Maximum Insanity. It sells for $139.97.

“That one fires all sorts of stuff,” Hays said.

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Iowa Fireworks Co. local manager Josh Hays shows off the Maximum Insanity fireworks, the largest and most expensive item available in their tent along First Avenue South.

Matt Knowles, of Fort Dodge, was passionate about being able to purchase fireworks in Iowa.

“We get to ‘America’ right this year,” Knowles said. “Now we don’t have to travel out of state.”

Knowles said he spends between $100 to $500 a year on fireworks.

“I want to support Iowa businesses,” he said.

Knowles said he would likely return to the Fort Dodge tent.

“I’ll make as many trips as possible to see if they get anything new,” he said.

Hays said the inventory will continue to be expanded in the coming weeks.

The tent in Fort Dodge is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through July 8 except on June 18 and June 25.

The state fire marshal reports 127 licenses for permanent sites have been acquired in the state so far.

An additional 61 licenses have been acquired for temporary sites.

A total of 347 applications have been filed.

Sales at permanent sites began June 1. The first license was issued that day.

For those looking to get their fireworks fix, Fort Dodge Fireworks Celebration will be presenting a free concert and fireworks at Fort Frenzy’s plaza on July 1.

Gates open at 6 p.m. A concert featuring Walker Hayes with special guest Lexi Parr and the Ruby Blonde Band begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m. Outside fireworks will not be allowed at the event.