WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - As the 4th of July draws near, Ellis and Trude Mayfield are doing what they know best: selling fireworks. 

The couple has run their stand, Mayfield Fireworks, in Medicine Lodge for 53 years. It’s across the street from their house.  

“When the people come in, we always visit, and sometimes they say, ‘Hey, you know, can I have a little bit of a discount?’” Trude said. “Not very many times though, because they do come in and say, ‘Well, such and such is a lot higher than you guys.’ And it makes us feel good.”

It all started when the Mayfields bought a grocery store, and inherited the business, over 50 years ago. They’ve been married for almost 74 years. 

“It’s a lot of work, but it is fun,” Ellis said.

The two met in Vienna, Austria, where Trude is from, while Ellis was serving in the United States Army. 

Now, with children, grandchildren and countless great grandchildren, the stand has become a family affair. The Mayfields said they hope their family continues the business for years to come. 

“She hopefully would take it over and still probably be Mayfields, because all the people in town know us, even the new people,” Trude said. 

Trude and Ellis are both in their 90’s. They said a lot has changed over the years including the stand’s location and how early people can buy fireworks.  

“I don't like it…this now, because you can do this like eight days beforehand,” Trude said. “People are not going to stop and buy fireworks eight days before. Before, it was four days, and it was fine.”

Their granddaughter, Casha Short, said 90% of their stock will be gone by the 4th of July. Fireworks fill tables and shelves at the stand. Originally, it was only one table. 

“All my memories came from here,” Short said. “This is just…it's home to me.”