Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with Sparky’s Fireworks

Teen’s business brings community together

As summer rolls around in Texas, families start planning lake trips, cookouts, vacations, and Fourth of July celebrations. This year feels even more special as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday — a milestone that reminds us all how important community, tradition, and patriotism still are.

For 14-year-old Cooper Cross, fireworks have become more than just a holiday business. Over the past few years, Sparky’s Fireworks has grown into a community tradition that brings people together while also giving back to local organizations and causes.

What started as an idea from Cooper quickly turned into a family effort that now supports local organizations, creates seasonal jobs, and helps families celebrate some of their favorite summer memories. 

Cooper’s dad, Brandon Cross, said “the community really showed up. Seeing local businesses, customers, and neighbors all come together to help the fire department was incredible. That’s what this is really about.”

Since the beginning, Sparky’s Fireworks has proudly supported the Eagle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. Over the past two years, Cooper Cross and his friend Preston Austin have donated a total of $5,400 to the department. Last year, because of the support of Sparky’s and numerous local businesses, the fire department received over $30,000 to help renovate Fire Boat Marine 21 for service on Eagle
Mountain Lake.

This year, Sparky’s Fireworks is expanding to four locations around the Eagle Mountain Lake area while continuing its commitment to supporting the local community. One of the stands, located at Bonds Ranch Road and Morris Dido Road, will be operated by the Boswell High School Band, with a portion of the proceeds directly benefiting the band and its students. 

“We’ve always wanted the stands to be more than just fireworks sales,” Brandon said. “It gives local students, teachers, families, and organizations an opportunity to raise money, earn extra income, and be part of something fun during the summer.” Last summer, over 30 EMS ISD students were employed by Sparky’s.

And of course, fireworks themselves are still the highlight. From fountains on the dock to family celebrations at the lake, the Fourth of July remains one of the favorite traditions around Eagle Mountain Lake. This year, Lakeview Marina is starting a new tradition for the lake community. The first annual Eagle Mountain Lake Fourth of July Boat Parade celebration will feature boats, decorations, and fireworks. 

“We’re excited for another great season,” Cooper said. “We’re thankful for all the support the community has shown us over the years, and we hope everyone comes out to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with us.”

For updates, stand locations, specials, and event information, follow Sparky’s Fireworks on Facebook or visit their website at SparkysDFW.com.

Sparky’s Fireworks would also like to thank the many businesses, landowners, and community partners who continue to support the stands and help make these events possible each year. A special thanks to this year’s corporate sponsors: Al Boenker Insurance Agency, Bluebonnet Homes, Cross Electric, Lakeview Marina, and Our Country Homes.