Every year around the Fourth of July, tents full of hundreds of oddly-named fireworks pop up seemingly overnight.
They might seem unremarkable from the outside, but within those canvas walls is a high-stakes world of rivalries, family empires and tense stakeouts.
Some are practically born to it, while others stumble in. Mesha Carter of K&M Trading Post is among the former.
"It's a whole lot of work," Carter said. "If we'd known how much, we probably wouldn't have gotten into it."
It's Carter's first year selling fireworks out of a tent next to the business. She doesn't even set off fireworks herself, usually - just goes to the city's display.
"We got hooked up with a couple from out of town (who suggested it)," she explained.
Redneck Fireworks sent over a large consignment, and Carter will split the profit with them. She expects sales to pick up as Independence Day approaches.
"I hear good things about Lock and Load (an artillery firework)," she said. "The kids like those."
But the competition is tight, with at least four other stands in Fulton alone. And others have a lot more experience.
"My uncle runs 'em all," said Dax Helsel, who was working the stand across from Memorial Park. "We've got stands throughout the state."
He grew up around the business and has run his own stand for five years.
"Now that I'm old enough, I run one with my best friend (Tristan Peneston)," Helsel said.
Helsel shared this information from his spot on a mattress on the tent's floor. He camped out at the tent overnight to prevent thefts - even though he and Peneston have full-time jobs at Sutherlands.
"The money's good," Peneston said.
Peneston's younger brother, Grayson, was even more edgy. He napped with his aluminum baseball bat at his side, and as he walked around the stand at Tractor Supply, something popped underfoot.
"I scattered some snappers on the floor so they'd wake me up if someone tried to get in," he said. "I guess I haven't got them all yet."
The precautions, he believes, are warranted.
"Last year some drunk guy was knocking on the tent, trying to get in at 2 a.m.," he said.
Charles Galbreath, who was manning Susan Peterson's firework stand next to Approved Automotive, agreed.
"That's what you have to do - you have to camp out," he said.
Maj. Roger Rice, of the Fulton Police Department, said they haven't received any reports of thefts at the stands this year, but they have in years past.
"The stands are tents, and it would be very easy to get in one," Rice said.
At summer's end, Grayson will head off for college at Hannibal-LaGrange with his trusty bat at his side. He'll take with him some fond memories of working the stand.
"At the end of the firework season we always put together a little firework show for us and the Helsels," he said.
Another part of the fun: taking in all the bonkers fireworks names and packaging. There's everything from "Chicken Laying Eggs" to "Dirty Dancing in the Sky" to "ber Good." Some are shaped like automatic weapons, others look similar to red Solo cups.
Galbreath particularly likes the "Snow Cone," a purple fountain.
"That's a really pretty firework, and it lasts for a while," he said.
Keep it safe, keep it legal
Tips from Maj. Roger Rice, Fulton Police Department
Fireworks sale season continues through July 10. Also, there is a short period where they can sell between Dec. 20 and Jan. 2.
By ordinance, fireworks can only be discharged within city limits from 1-11 p.m. during July 3-5. Anything after 11 p.m. is subject to summonto city court. The fine is set by to the judge, up to $500.
It's unlwaful for anyone to throw fireworks from, at or under a vehicle; at people or a building; or within 500 feet of a church service.
If peace is being disturbed, even within legal firework-lighting hours, residents can make a written complaint to police.
Use common sense.
Advice from Fire Chief Kevin Coffelt, Fulton Fire Department
Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, even sparklers are hot enough to cause severe burns. Sparklers burn at somewhere around 1,200 degrees. It's 900 degrees to melt glass.
If you do consumer fireworks, buy from somewhere that has a permit to sell.
If you're going to light fireworks, do it away from the home, brush or dry grass.
Light one device at a time, then back away. If it doesn't go off, don't try to relight it.
Always have a water source with you.
"As the fire department, we recommend just going to a fireworks show."