Arkansas Attorney General Launches Investigation into A.M. Pyrotechnics After Multiple Fireworks Shows Canceled
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has launched an active investigation into A.M. Pyrotechnics after the company failed to provide several contracted Independence Day fireworks displays across Arkansas and neighboring states.
Among the Arkansas communities impacted were Mountain Home, Batesville, Norfork, and dozens of other shows. Several events were canceled on short notice after organizers said the company failed to arrive or stopped communicating before the holiday.
Mountain Home officials were forced to secure a replacement fireworks company just hours before their scheduled July 4 celebration and immediately alerted organizers in Batesville, knowing the city had also contracted with A.M. Pyrotechnics for its Independence Day fireworks show.
Citizens Bank in Batesville, which has partnered with A.M. Pyrotechnics for more than 15 years, also confirmed its annual fireworks show was canceled after communication with the company became increasingly limited in the days leading up to Independence Day. Ultimately moving their fireworks to Sunday July 5, 2026 with another Pyrotechnics company.
Attorney General Tim Griffin announced his office is actively investigating the matter. Griffin spoke with ArkansasRadio.com radio stations owner Bob Connell, “We are looking into the information that we’ve received about fireworks being unavailable. Some local governments contracted with a fireworks company in north central Arkansas and were unable to get fireworks in time for the 250th anniversary birthday of the United States. And that’s a horrible, horrible thing. Apparently, people have lost some public money, taxpayer dollars, over it. So we’re looking into this. I really can’t comment beyond that at this point. But we are aware of the reports. We have received information on it, and we have made this a priority.”
Earlier this year, A.M. Pyrotechnics filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri. Court documents indicate the company listed more than $1 million in liabilities while attempting to reorganize its business.
Company owner Aaron Mayfield previously cited staffing shortages following the tragic death of an employee in late 2025 as one of the challenges facing the business.
The Attorney General’s investigation remains active, and additional information is expected as it becomes available.
As the saying goes, the show must go on—and in Batesville, it certainly did.
ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations Owner Bob Connell spoke with Citizens Bank Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing Janelle Shell following the celebration.
“You cannot imagine what an amazing evening we had. Something for the storybooks. I am so amazed with the City of Batesville, with Sean Hooks getting the golf course ready. People were spread out for miles. Our vendors did an amazing job. We couldn’t do it without our sponsors. Citizens Bank stepping up and paying for a second show is unreal. To have Premier Pyrotechnics come in and put on the most incredible show. The finale—I felt like I was on another planet. It was just an evening to remember.”
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