Circle City Fireworks: A Legacy of Family, Passion, and Community
Circle City Fireworks was officially founded in 2016, but its roots stretch across three generations. Barbara Whiteside, daughter of John Whiteside and granddaughter of Ronald Whiteside, began selling fireworks in 1998, armed with knowledge passed down through decades of family tradition. What began as a side hustle during a challenging time in her life as a single mother of two would eventually become a thriving, family-run business.
In 2015, Barbara entered the real estate industry. Fueled by the success of her new career and with the support of a loan from her partner Juan Cardenas, she opened her first retail fireworks store on Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis in 2017.
Barbara’s love for fireworks is deeply personal—fireworks have always been part of her life. As a child, she sat in a playpen in front of her father’s stand, greeting customers with a smile. These early memories shaped her lifelong passion, not only for fireworks themselves, but for the joy and excitement they bring to others. That joy, especially hearing from happy customers after every Fourth of July, never gets old.
Together, Barbara and Juan—along with their children—helped build Circle City Fireworks into what it is today. Their family has worked side by side, putting on multiple fireworks shows and learning the business together. This has allowed them to pass on valuable skills and traditions to the next generation, creating a business rooted in family, learning, and legacy.
Circle City Fireworks is proudly woman- and minority-owned. To better serve Indiana’s growing Hispanic community, the team offers bilingual service—¡Se habla español! This commitment allows them to connect with more families who share their love for fireworks, ensuring everyone feels welcome and understood.
What sets Circle City Fireworks apart is its straightforward, customer-first approach. The company skips the gimmicks and focuses on what truly matters: affordability, quality, and building long-term relationships. Barbara, Juan, and their team work tirelessly to source top-tier fireworks from trusted name brands at the best possible prices—and always with outstanding service.
The team consists of loyal staff members and family who have been with the company since its early days. Together, they bring more than 100 years of combined experience in the fireworks industry. Every product is carefully inspected for quality and complies 100% with national and local safety regulations.
Customer safety and satisfaction remain top priorities. The team goes the extra mile to answer questions, provide product guidance, and encourage early shopping so customers receive the time and attention they deserve—especially before the holiday rush.
Looking to the future, Circle City Fireworks plans to expand by opening a wholesale warehouse and a new retail store near a major interstate in Central Indiana. They’re also exploring opportunities in southern states to support New Year’s celebrations and developing a year-round location to serve all holidays. Plans are in motion to offer nationwide shipping in smaller, more accessible quantities—without the need for bulk orders.
At Circle City Fireworks, it’s about more than just fireworks—it’s about family, tradition, and lighting up lives with every celebration.