It was bordering triple-degree temperatures Thursday afternoon in Ripon.
But the TNT Fireworks booth behind the American Legion building in downtown appeared to the coolest spot in town.
This was the first day of the Fourth of July fundraiser at Clinton McCausland Post 190, 206 S. Stockton Ave. Sales were slow – no surprise, given the midweek hours of operation.
“We expect to see things pick by Friday,” said Post Adjunct James Moore.
Proceeds from the sales of the safe and sane fireworks benefit non-profit groups, schools, small businesses and even families and individuals.
The big ticket items from TNT include Big Timer, The Deluxe, The All-American, Perfect Show and TNT Family Pak.
 Phantom is the other fireworks booth in Ripon.
Ripon FFA (150 N. Wilma Ave.), VFW Post #105 (1453 Goodwin Dr.) and the Ripon Sea Lions (860 Jack Tone Rd.) are once again back at their familiar locations.
The American Legion booth, meanwhile, has been at the same place since 2011. No special permits or rent is necessary here since the operation is taking place on the Legion premises.
Post Commander Mike Zureich and former Post Commander Ernie Tyhurst along with Moore, First Vice Commander Manuel Lopez, Jennifer Ogden and Denise Alvarez were among those seated at the table situated underneath the big shade tree equipped with water misters for cooling off on this hot day.
Items sold at this booth will go towards the America Legion’s college scholarship program and a donation to the local Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp.
This TNT booth will be open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the weekend and will open 9 a.m. on the Fourth of July.
American Legion, in addition, will be serving free hotdogs, chips and drinks on the Fourth at this very location.
Product information can be obtained by logging on to TNT Fireworks at www.tntfireworks.com or Phantom Fireworks at www.fireworks.com.