"Fireworks Light Up My Life" - Joe Perri
A Century of Lighting Up the Sky
Call 574-247-0447 for Current Location and Hours
Seasonal Operation: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Our Family Legacy
Perri Fireworks is a local family owned and operated business established in 1920 by my great-grandfather. My grandfather, Joseph Perri, continued the family tradition by creating his own custom firework
s displays for local and regional shows. Known as "Papa Joe" from his restaurant days or simply "Joe" to friends, he was instrumental in pioneering retail fireworks sales in our area, starting with selling from the back of his car. Many of the other area fireworks retailers got their start either working for Joe or visiting his business as children. Locations Through the Years
Over the decades, Perri Fireworks has operated in various locations across Mishawaka, South Bend, Elkhart, and Granger. Two of our most notable locations were on Cleveland Road in South Bend and Old US 20 in Elkhart (formally considered Osceola). The Cleveland Road location served as Joe's workshop where he crafted masterpieces for professional shows, often with help from his teenage daughter Frances. Later, Joe maintained the firework tradition at his retail location on Old US 20 for over 30 years. A Female-Led Tradition
While many might expect a son to follow in their father's footsteps, it was Joe's daughter Frances and his granddaughter Steffanie who carried on the family business after returning from California. After helping Joe at his retail store, they opened their own location in 2000 on Cleveland Road in South Bend—returning to where it all began. Local customers affectionately knew it as "the little white barn." Joe continued to run the Old US 20 location until his death at age 92 in early 2010. Following his passing, Frances and Steffanie eventually moved to the Old US 20 location before relocating to Edison Road, where they operated at two different locations - one in Mishawaka and one in South Bend - bringing them closer to their original roots. We take great pride in being the first female-owned fireworks business in our area, continuing a legacy in an industry traditionally dominated by men. You may have heard Steffanie's daughter Morgan in our radio advertisements over the years with her memorable lines: "Like my grandpa always said, fireworks light up my life. Go to Perri Fireworks, where all the best fireworks are sold!" followed by her enthusiastic "WE GOT THE FIREWORKS!" Morgan represents the future generation of Perri Fireworks as our family tradition continues. Where to Find Us Today
While we no longer maintain a year-round physical location, we operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Our location may change annually, so we encourage customers to call 574-247-0447 for our current season's location and hours of operation. Our Promise to You
Throughout our century of business, locations may have changed, but our commitment never has. At Perri Fireworks, we focus on exceptional customer service and reasonable pricing without gimmicks. When you shop with us, you become part of our extended family. As my grandfather always said, "Fireworks Light Up My Life." We look forward to serving you this season!
