Kimmell Family Shares Fourth of July Celebration with Community at Drywood Gulch Fireworks Show
Nearly a decade after the Kimmell family first experimented with hosting their own Independence Day celebration, Drywood Gulch Fireworks Show in Deerfield, Missouri, has grown to become a Fourth of July destination throughout this rural area about an hour north of Joplin, Missouri.
Ruth Kimmell, who fills several roles, including tent manager, vendor and food trucks coordinator, and bookkeeper, reflects on the growth and looks ahead to this year’s celebration. She says, “The main reason our show and festival has continued to grow is we’ve gained some great sponsors along the way to help pay for a lot of costs.
“Scott and Charlotte Buerge (Metz Bank owners) and Lawrence Lumber Company owner Jim Lawrence have been strong supporters, and not just financially. Whatever we need, they’re here to help. Emery’s Truck Stop, the Morris Family (Moundville, Missouri), Wolfe’s Flying W Farms and Farmer’s Ag and Grain Supply owner Brantley Johnson (Deerfield) have also been strong supporters. We’re thankful to all our supporters.”
Ruth says Drywood Gulch Fireworks intends for 2026 to be the most memorable show ever.
“We want our country’s 250th birthday celebration to be something people will remember for years to come. I think this has become such a big deal for Deerfield and way beyond because we are a community.
“People come with their families and friends to have an enjoyable day. At least for a day, everybody here is friends. We’ve had visitors from other states plan their vacations so they can attend our show.
“Along with a great atmosphere the whole day, with lots of entertainment, we just put together such a memorable show. After the show each year, I’m told by many people that the biggest difference between us and other places is there’s no blank sky during our extravaganza,” she says.
“They say our show is like a continuous fireworks finale. We launch fireworks non-stop from three different spots. Before one stops, we have the next one lighting up the sky all throughout the show. When we do get to our finale, it will amaze you. This year will be our biggest show yet.”
It has come a long way since brothers Chris and Mike Kimmell discussed the notion of buying a big tent and selling fireworks. Ruth says, “One afternoon in the winter of 2016, Chris called and told Mike he’d bought a 30’ x 70’ tent at an auction.
“Chris suggested finding a fireworks supplier and selling fireworks. So, we did just that. After testing all types of fireworks several nights, we talked about putting on a small show for our community. Our first show was in 2017. We notified people on Facebook, with friends telling other friends. Each year, we wanted the show to be bigger.”
The original concept was simple.
“When we started the fireworks stand, we wanted to make extra money and help families buy their fireworks without going broke,” Ruth says. “We decided to keep our prices lower than most other stands to help grow our clientele, so they would become loyal customers. That’s exactly what happened.”
It has been a work in progress. Ruth says, “The first three to four years, we did okay but it’s a lot of work to set up a tent, fill it with tables and display all the fireworks. Early on, we strived to have one of the largest selections in the area. And I believe we’ve done that.
“Mike and I set up the displays and make them look presentable. I run the tent sales. Laura (Mike’s and Ruth’s daughter) and Bethany (Chris’ daughter) help with customers in the tent. I help guide customers through their buying options and they seem to appreciate my recommendations. I also developed a kid’s corner for the little ones that’s been a big hit.”
The process has continued to evolve.
“Set up, management, selection and inventory are all critical for good business,” Ruth says. “It took us a couple years to figure things out. We constantly fine tune it.
“As an example, now we have a big screen TV set up in the tent so if customers want to see what a particular firework looks like, they can scan a code on the package to see it being shot off. This helps customers with their buying experience.”
Selling fireworks is a big deal but there’s much more to a fireworks show, including a variety of options for those who are hungry.
“Past food trucks have included Mexican food, barbecue, burgers, pork rinds, kettle corn, funnel cakes, root beer, cotton candy and ice cream.
“We also have various craft vendors, including jewelry, crochet items, embroidery kitchen towels and lots of other miscellaneous products. This year, our music entertainment will feature The Midnight Junction and Nathan Ast Bands.”
Virtually the entire Kimmell clan pitches in. Ruth says, “It’s a family affair. Along with Chris and Mike, our children and grandchildren help with the event. Patrick Kimmell (Mike’s and Ruth’s son) handles the sound system. He announces our demonstration show and the fireworks extravaganza. He also plays music throughout the day and does all the announcements.
“We also have members of the community who help. The local VFW helps with the flag ceremony. Our fireworks show crew is mostly family, including Chris and Mike, as well as Joseph and Samuel (Mike’s and Ruth’s sons), CJ (Chris’ son) and Adam (a nephew), along with two of Adam’s relatives (Kevin and Zachary) who are also family friends.
“Chris runs the artillery part of it. Samuel runs the main show. Mike helps with the main show and runs the finale, and sometimes the double finale.
“Chris built an artillery launcher we call the ‘turtle’ that’s shaped like a turtle shell. It holds approximately 500 artillery tubes. The ‘turtle’ is used in the finale. Samuel sets up unique combinations with electronic ignitions throughout the show. A lot of the show is manually lit, as well. The finale can only be described as ‘you have to see it.’
“Each year, we do new things, so it’s never the same. We use consumer fireworks from our tent. We launch from flatbed trailers. We use three trailers for the main show and two to three more trailers and the ‘turtle’ for the finale, along with other setups.
“The show runs about 40 minutes. We’ll typically fire 400-500 units and 750-1,000 miscellaneous artillery mortars. This year, we have some extra-special plans to help celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday. We’re pulling out all the stops.”
Ruth continues, “What we’ve built has been a blessing. When people thank us for the experience and what we’ve done for our community, it puts big smiles on all our faces. We love our community and our country and just say ‘God Bless America.’
“It’s all about love of country and patriotism. We come together as a community, enjoy the entertainment and fellowship and fun with each other. It lifts everyone’s spirts. If you could just hear the roar of approval from the crowd after the fireworks finale. Well, just being part of it gives you goosebumps.”
Drywood Gulch Fireworks Show Fast Facts
When: Saturday, June 27, with festivities beginning at 3 p.m. and fireworks show starting at dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.)
Cost: Free admission
Faebook: Drywood Gulch Fireworks
Physical Address: 7490 E. 54 Hwy., Deerfield, Missouri
Email Address: rkimmell1960@gmail.com
Phone Number: 417-684-1950
Fireworks Tent Location: Emery’s Truck Stop parking lot on 54 Highway in Deerfield.
Fun & Games: Bounce houses, face painting, Nerf wars, dunk tank and chainsaw art.
Food and Craft Vendors: If interested in being part of this year’s event, contact Ruth at rkimmell1960@gmail.com.
