NATCHEZ — The closer the clock approaches the final minute of the year, the more the snap, crackle and pop of fireworks can be heard.

From the old-school bottle rockets and artillery shells to Roman Candles, jumping jacks and the little champagne party poppers, the noise makers light up the eyes of the young and old alike.

A few weeks before Christmas, firework stands began to popup along highways catching the attention of those youngsters who’ve grown to know what the tents, old school buses and shacks represent.

Though they may have been frightened by the loud noises in the days they were carried in their mother’s arms, many youngsters can be found spending the last days of the year shopping for fireworks and getting a chance to play pyrotechnician.

“I’m shooting fireworks with my kids but I’m going to light a few for myself first,” said Geerome Anderson as he and friends gathered shortly after sunset.

The older they get, the less they may participate in skyrocket battles, but one thing remains — fireworks light up everyone’s night.