Go for fireworks, stay for fry bread: Nisqually Tribe’s one-stop shop for July 4 now open

Fireworks season means family-operated firework stands have been busy preparing for their busiest week of the year: the Fourth of July. It’s an all-hands-on-deck effort, requiring participation from each family member. Once June 28 hits and it’s legal to buy and sell fireworks in Washington state, a constant flow of customers starts up.

This year at the Nisqually reservation, tribal member stands are lined up just off Yelm Hwy SE across from Red Wind Casino. It’s the second year at the new location, and is open daily for fireworks shopping for everyone from both on and off the reservation.

There are 45 stands in total this year, with a massive range of fireworks options, special features and art by tribal members. There are also several food trucks. The stands and trucks are open from about midday until 10 or 11 p.m. daily through Independence Day on Tuesday.

Nisqually tribal-certified firework stands

One of the stands at Nisqually this year is the Ohana Fireworks Stand, ran by Nohealani Herrera and her partner and daughter, Kahelelani. It’s the business they’ve always known.

“You grow up in this lifestyle,” said Herrera.

She’s been around fireworks her whole life, and says her grandchildren will grow up around them, too. It’s a family business, requiring effort from everybody. From building the stand to painting and decorating it, stocking the fireworks and selling products, everything is done by the family. Once you turn 18, you can try running your own stand, until then you help your older family members.

Herrera now lives just outside the reservation, but returns with her family each year to run the stand, continuing the tradition. There are 45 family-run stands this year. Vendor names are pulled out of a hat to determine stand location.

Ohana, like many other stands, attend and sell at events outside firework season that keep them busy. But the Fourth of July is when everyone is in the same place at the same time, doing the same thing as their family before them.

Herrera said the best part of fireworks season is this gathering of families — coming back each year to see the multi-generation presence. They don’t see each other as competitors, but as another family, “one big fireworks family,” as Herrera calls it.

Buying fireworks on Nisqually reservation

If you’ve never bought fireworks on an Indian reservation from tribal-certified vendors, there are a few things to keep in mind. Tribal certification is different than state certification, which city vendors outside of the reservation have. This allows tribal vendors to offer a different selection of products.

Herrera says there is a common misconception that tribal vendors get fireworks for free, which is incorrect. Each vendor buys fireworks wholesale and sets their own prices. It is possible to negotiate prices slightly, and the deals tend to sweeten as the volume of fireworks being purchased increases.

For first-time visitors, Herrera recommends taking your time and checking out all the stands before buying anything. Each stand will have a different theme, different prices and different specials. Walk through and observe what sticks out to you, then you can go back and buy when you’re sure. Be prepared for enthusiastic sales pitches from multiple vendors.

Depending on your interests, there might even be a stand perfectly catered to you. Ohana’s theme is rooted in Hawaiian culture, but there are horror-themed stands, Marvel-themed stands, and more. Each vendor has their own niche, such as gearing products more toward small children and families, or specializing in large displays. It helps to think about what you’re looking for and what your maximum budget is before shopping.

Beyond the Hawaiian theme, complete with bright colors, hibiscus flowers and Lilo and Stitch donning Ohana’s stand, Herrera also deploys specific sales strategies. Each vendor will be different in this aspect, too. She likes to take into account a customer’s fireworks budget and their desired yield. She looks for sales and bulk options to make this work.

Herrera told McClatchy that her goal is to end a sale with something for everyone in the family, at least one item for each person, no matter their age. Her personal favorites are the cake firework options, since they’re mostly one-and-done. Conversely, she says kids and teens generally prefer artillery options, because they’re more hands-on and louder.

Fry bread essentials

Don’t miss the food options at the Nisqually fireworks stands, including trucks featuring fry bread and fry bread-based dishes. Once you’ve walked your way through once or twice, whether you bought fireworks or not, you’ll probably want something to keep your energy up. Worry not, food trucks from around the Pacific Northwest travel to the Nisqually Reservation, or are already local, and take part in Fourth of July sales. Each has individual recipes and specialties.

There are currently eight stands so far this year, and more will be set up over the weekend as business grows and the holiday gets closer. A fry bread order can come with a wait of about 15 minutes, depending on how busy the stand is.

One of these options, Jinx, serves only family recipes, passed down from their grandmother, a tribal elder who died in recent years.

A newcomer to the vendor scene, Ernestine Jim is an enrolled Yakama Nation member who moved to Nisqually in 2022. She describes fry bread as similar to an elephant ear, but with more history. Fry bread is a common comfort food in Native communities, with different variations seen across different tribes and families. The common thread is that Native communities tend to have fry bread on hand when there are gatherings, events or celebrations.

Jim describes fry bread as similar to an elephant ear, but with more history. It was invented when the government was sending rations to reservations and tribal members were fighting to stave off starvation. Using the resources available, fry bread quickly became a staple. It’s thicker than an elephant ear with a different consistency, which is why it’s utilized in different ways.

The possibilities are endless for how you top your fry bread. You can go sweet or savory, dressed up or dressed down. You can even use fry bread as a component in another dish, like fry bread tacos and fryburgers, which use fry bread as buns.

“When I make my food, I make it with a good heart and for all the people to enjoy,” Jim said. “And if I wouldn’t eat it, I will not send it out.”

Jim’s business is so new it doesn’t have an official name yet. They’ve been operating out of a food truck or a canopy, depending on the day, but hope to establish a storefront. It’s currently located near the corner of She Nah Num Drive and Yelm Highway.

Fry bread and fireworks essentials

Here are a few essentials to keep in mind for shopping and dining at the Nisqually Indian reservation fireworks stands this year:

Bring cash

Although most food and fireworks vendors will be equipped with the ability to take payment by card, but it’s recommended to bring cash just in case of technical issues. The nearby gas stations and the Red Wind Casino have several ATMs.

Bring folding chairs

If you plan to buy food and eat your order before leaving, try to bring a lightweight folding chair, as there is limited seating.

Bring a hat and water

Fireworks shopping and fry bread eating can be a time-consuming outing, and there is basically no shade in the area. With temperatures expected to reach the 90’s by the 4th of July, it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Be respectful and careful

While you’re at the Nisqually reservation, remember to be a respectful guest, as you’ll be in a sovereign nation governed by tribal law and authorities. You may see tribal police patrolling the area. Also remember to be safe and refrain from smoking or lighting any fireworks off.

With additional reporting by Genevieve Belmaker in Olympia.

This story was originally published June 30, 2023 at 12:11 PM.