SANDPOINT — When Samantha Lawson bought fireworks this summer, she had no idea she’d have more to celebrate than Independence Day.

On Monday, Lawson was presented with a $10,000 check after being randomly selected as the winner of a nationwide sweepstakes put on by TNT Fireworks. Lawson entered the contest this summer after stopping at a fireworks stand outside Sandpoint’s Safeway, and beat the odds to become the sole winner of the sweepstakes. 

According to Lawson, her visit to the stand was unplanned; she stopped reluctantly after her son’s pestering wore her down. 

“This little guy here begged and pleaded and convinced me to stop and get fireworks,” Lawson said. “I'm awful glad we did.” 

The stand Lawson visited was operated by the Sandpoint Lions Club, which was raising funds for its City Beach fireworks show and annual Fourth of July parade. Representatives from the club were present to see Lawson receive her check; Safeway gifted her a custom cake to commemorate her win. 

According to TNT Fireworks area manager Beckie Burger, the Safeway stand was one of more than 6,000 locations across the country last season. The company primarily partners with sports teams, nonprofits, and other organizations to staff the stands, who in return gain some of the profits as a fundraiser. 

Lawson’s plan for the winnings? To kickstart a business venture. 

“We're going to try and put this toward building a small rental on my property,” Lawson said. “That will hopefully get us toward our next step in life.” 

While the bulk of the money will go to the project, a little will be used to enjoy the moment and appreciate Lawson’s miraculous luck. 

“It’s going to be an investment,” said Lawson. “… and lunch — we’re going out to celebrate.”