Grover Beach fireworks stand to assist South SLO County business recovery efforts

GROVER BEACH, Calif -- The South County Chambers of Commerce is once again selling safe-and-sane fireworks this year.

It continues a tradition for the local organization that dates back nearly 20 years.

However, this year, all of the profits from the sales are going to be directed towards something different.

All of the profits will now benefit local business recovery efforts, to help out places struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In past years, profits were directly towards the popular Stone Soup Music Festival that is held each August in Grover Beach's Ramona Garden Park.

"This year it was cancelled because it is a large gathering, and so what we wanted to do this year is still have the fireworks booth, but raise money to help in the business recovery efforts in South County," said South County Chambers of Commerce President/CEO Jocelyn Brennan.

Brennan added profits will be directly towards area businesses based on impact and need.

"We're willing to help anyone. It's really a unique time, so we've pretty much opened everything up to our members and non-members."

She added business needs have varied throughout the pandemic depending on the current stage of reopening.

"Early on, they really needed help accessing financial assistance so they could keep employees on and their workforce going," said Brennan. "Then they really need help with complying with the guidelines of reopening, buying PPE equipment, buying face masks, sanitizer, and plexiglass, so with each stage the needs are different. We're just to help the businesses in any way that we can."

Since Monday, the stand has been selling fireworks at its location in the Vons parking lot, at the busy corner of Grand Avenue and Oak Park Boulevard.

"We're expecting to do really well this year," said Brennan. "A lot of the fireworks shows are cancelled this year, so we know that people are going to do more things at home with their family."

The Chambers of Commerce is encouraging all customers to take a picture in front of the #love4local sign it has place on the stand.

"IWe do have a Love For Local campaign, which is promoting Take Out Tuesday, Shop Small Saturday, and just really encouraging our community to support their local businesses through this time," said Brennan. "A lot of our local businesses can't operate at full capacity still, and tourism for out-of-state is still being discouraged, SLO County businesses need their local community to support them more than ever. Use #love4local, give them a great review on Yelp, and do all your shopping and dining locally."

located in the busy Vons parking lot at the corner of Grand Avenue and Oak Park Boulevard.