Sparky's attracts tourists, one-mile at a time

By: Naeem Mcfadden | SCNow
Published: April 04, 2009

When traveling through the county, tourists on their way to the beach and area commuters have various needs. When passing through Marion County on U.S. Highway 501, there is one location that aims to be a one-stop shop meet the demands of those needs.

General Managers Alex Small and Wanda Roberts serve as the on site leaders of Sparky’s, at 2416 South Highway 501, established in 1990 by Randall and Linda Small. They say they believe it’s their bright yellow and red signs that attract the thousands of tourist driving along.

“They can get souvenirs, homemade fudge candy, pecans, moccasins and Harley Davison boots,” Roberts said of the various items inside of the spacious store. Those items include an assortment of fireworks, clothing apparel, sea shells, wind chimes, hermit crabs, alligator heads, sharks in bottles, jars of pure honey and syrup, along with swords, knifes, boiled peanuts, tons of ice cream, barbecue and Sparky’s super burgers. Not to mention gasoline.

“We usually have the cheapest gasoline around,” Small said. adding that customers come from all over the country and the world.

“We’ve had them in here from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand,” he said, adding that the billboards and good customer service play a part in Sparky’s success. Throughout the season, Sparky’s has between 20 to 30 employees on staff, he said.

Owner Randall Small is also a supporter of the Rains Community rural fire department, evident by the number of plagues commending him for his efforts. Visitors will find his wife Linda Small helping out at the store or kicking back with the staff.

“We all have fun working here. We all get along good and it doesn’t feel like work,” Roberts said about the job at Sparky’s, adding that she’s been employed there for over 18 years. Other longtime employees include Patsy Gaskin, Summer Smith, Lee Robertson, Kenneth Holden, Kathy Herring and Tim Gillespie.

“We have job security and we get support through tourism and our local residents,” Small said.