Rogers hosts explosive trade show
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Rogers brings the boom with the National Fireworks Association (NFA) annual trade show this week. It promises to be a combustible affair.
Why it matters: Trade shows like NFA's fuel Arkansas' $17.4 billion tourism economy — and sometimes turn first-time visitors into repeat ones.
State of play: The event is the industry's largest trade show, spokesperson Allyson Cowgill said. It moves to different parts of the country each year, so it won't repeat in Rogers soon.
- About 1,000 people are expected to attend the convention, filling NWA hotels and restaurants.
- Like any run-of-the-mill convention, it's an opportunity for vendors, buyers and manufacturers to connect, learn about new products and do business.
🎆 Yes, but: This group will demo their wares for all. Two public shows are scheduled — a 9/11 Tribute Show on Thursday and a grand finale on Friday.
- Both will be at the Benton County Fairgrounds with food and music. Gates open in the evening and admission is $5.
What we're hearing: It's likely that new spectacular sparkles will get a trial run on those nights.
The big picture: Attendees are watching potential U.S. tariffs on China that could hit in 2026. NFA members lobbied lawmakers in D.C. earlier this year, and those delegates will brief attendees.
- "The tariffs are really going to affect the small businesses that do it on the side, or have just enough in the bank to cover their product for the year," Cowgill said.
- And, only about 1% of fireworks are made in the U.S.
What they're saying: "Wherever the convention goes … I try to attend," said Adam Keeley, who owns Riverside Year-Round Fireworks of Siloam Springs.
- He's a volunteer for NFA and traces his passion to childhood when he'd save money all year to spend on Fourth of July fireworks.
The bottom line: "Fireworks can evoke an emotion," Keeley said. "It's a unique art form … it goes up in the sky and it's gone in a matter of seconds."
- When explosions, smell of smoke, music and the sparkle all sync, "it can all tie together for a very, very interesting experience that is like nothing else, in my opinion."