By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

There's no doubt teachers have plenty to keep them busy during the school year.

But when summer vacation rolled around, Cindy Schroeder and Bridgette Ramey of Grinnell found themselves looking for a project. They found their inspiration in the Fourth of July holiday and opened a Hays branch of Flash Fireworks on Saturday.

"We're teachers, so this will be our summer job," Schroeder said with a laugh.

The business is housed in a bright orange trailer, adorned with all things red, white and blue and brightly colored Black Cat advertisements. The business is one of few to carry the well-known brand, Ramey said.

Schroeder, who teaches special education classes in Oakley, got the idea for a fireworks stand and began brainstorming ideas to make it work. She happened to know a property owner with land near Eighth and Vine, which provided a perfect location.

Schroeder also knew she'd need some help. Besides her 6-year-old daughter, Kirsten, Ramey and her two kids, Paige, 13, and Tyler, 8, packed up to spend the week in Hays.

They're staying in a motel, but a recreational vehicle is nearby to provide solace from the sweltering afternoon heat. The families keep fans blowing, drink plenty of water and try to find shade.

"It's not too bad," Schroeder said. "We'll sit in the shade."

They decided to try their stand in Hays in hopes of reaching a broader market during Fourth of July and Wild West Festival activities.

"Grinnell already had one, and it can't support two by any means," Ramey said with a chuckle.

And with the stand in view of U.S. Highway 183 motorists, business is expected to pick up. In fact, it already has.

"Each day, it seems to pick up a little more," said Ramey, who teaches fourth grade in Grinnell.

Despite a high temperature of more than 90 degrees mid-Wednesday afternoon, both operators were busy visiting with customers. Some of the most loyal customers are children, who are trying to raise enough money to support their fireworks hobby.

"We tell them to stop by even if they don't buy. So we see them two or three times a day," Schroeder said. "I tell them to go find some cans and cash them in, come back. You can tell they're clearing out their piggy banks."

The three children who have the opportunity to help run the stand also seem to be enjoying themselves. Tyler likes the firecrackers, Kirsten prefers party poppers, and Paige didn't have to think long to determine her favorite either.

"Probably the smoke bombs," she said.

The business is open until Sunday.