About Us

Mike Cameron had a love for fireworks and a passion to create a successful business. In 1954 the two were melded together and Brookings Fireworks, Inc. was born. It started with a small fireworks stand at the west end of the Highway 14 overpass, 1702 U.S. Highway 14 in Brookings, SD. The business is still at the same location today.

Back then the location was known as the Hartwick Corner, which, in itself is quite a story. Well known in the Brookings area, 'Kid' Hartwick figured prominently in the wrestling circles while attending SDSU in the early 1920s. He would hitchhike to town every day and shake his fists at cars that passed him without stopping. After he passed away in 1963 at the age of 83, the corner became known as Brookings Fireworks or Cameron's Corner.

Brookings Fireworks, Inc. was the 2nd company in South Dakota to import fireworks directly from China, allowing the company to offer a huge selection the best prices around. Mike worked tirelessly to continue to grow his company, adding a large retail space and warehouses. On Memorial Day weekend in 1977, an electrical fire destroyed the main store. So an adjoining warehouse was expanded and the business moved there. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1979 when Mike died of a heart attack at the age of 54.

The family has continued Mike's legacy, keeping the business alive and providing customers and friends with quality fireworks to this day. Mike's sons were active in the business until Shirley and her husband Leroy purchased the business in 1988. The oldest of the 5 children, Shirley helped in the business from the time she was 9 years old (state laws on age were not in place back then).

Over 60 years later, Brookings Fireworks, Inc. is still providing quality fireworks at affordable prices with friendly service in two locations- the original location and a satellite location on the Minnesota/South Dakota border on U.S. Highway 14. Shirley and Leroy's two sons, Todd and Jason, actively sell fireworks along with Shirley's sister. With grandchildren also in the picture, it remains a true family business.