By admin 
DILLON, S.C. (WNCN) — The Fourth of July rush started early this year — and for many North Carolinians, it meant a drive across the state line.
Read more Crews ‘battle high heat’ fighting Durham house fire late Friday; neighbors alert residents to blaze
One day before Independence Day, fireworks stores in South Carolina were packed with shoppers from North Carolina, Virginia and beyond, all looking for aerial fireworks that are illegal to buy at home.
At Jabs Fireworks in Dillon, South Carolina, the parking lot was full for much of the day as customers loaded up on everything from small novelty items to large aerial displays.
“In North Carolina, they don’t have the stuff that goes up in the sky that goes boom boom. All we really got is fountains and stuff,” said North Carolina resident Andre Walker, who made the trip with family.
Walker said his group travels to South Carolina each year and spends more than a thousand dollars on fireworks for their holiday celebration.
Read more Multiple Triangle July 4th events adjusted because of extreme heat
The cross-border shopping comes as demand for fireworks continues to surge nationwide. According to CBS News, Americans are expected to spend more than $2.5 billion on fireworks this Fourth of July season.
Some shoppers say North Carolina is missing out on potential tax revenue as residents take their spending elsewhere to purchase items that are restricted in-state.
Despite the long drives and crowded stores, many said the tradition is worth it for a bigger holiday display when the sun goes down on July 4.
Read more Man taken to hospital after Raleigh shooting on Brockton Drive, police say