Events and Activities : Plans Made to Light up the Sky in 2018

If the third time’s a charm, what’s that make the twelfth?

A blast.

The twelfth time is going to be a blast … according to Vinton’s Boomtown Committee.

The Committee, in alliance with the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association (IPA), the Benton County Fairboard and presenting sponsor Veridian Credit Union, will welcome visitors from near and far to Boomtown 2018 on Saturday, August 25.

“We’re so excited,” said committee member, Brenda Hackbarth. “We’ve met people from neighboring states that come back to Vinton every year just for Boomtown. It’s really quite an honor when you think how far they’ve traveled to join us.”

Twelve years ago Iowa Pyrotechnic Association (IPA) President, Chuck Yedlik, presented the idea of a fireworks celebration to Vinton Unlimited. The IPA had an annual meeting that was outgrowing its space, and making it a public event seemed like the next logical step. A small group of volunteers gathered to discuss the idea, and Boomtown was born.

Initially, Boomtown was an all-day event at the fairgrounds with vendors and live music all afternoon. But, the committee wanted to see more of the local businesses involved, and benefit from the increased traffic through town. Not to mention, space at the fairgrounds would soon be limited due to the ever-growing influx of out-of-town guests. The downtown festival, Boom-fest, launched as a result. The Boomtown Committee manages events at the fairgrounds, while Vinton Unlimited Director, Melissa Schwan, coordinates Boom-fest downtown.

After meeting to discuss details in November, the fairboard again offered lease of the fairgrounds and the date was set.

“We would like to see Boomtown continue,” said Benton County Fairboard President, Dick Meyer. “Its great for the community.”

Availability of the fairgrounds has been beneficial for many events over the years, and continues as a great option when a group or organization needs convenient parking and space for vendors and seating for both indoor and outdoor events. Staying at the fairgrounds for the past 11 years has helped Boomtown in the planning process. Committee Member Matt Marovec and his parking crew know the grounds well, and try to ensure the parking process is smooth and efficient. The Vinton Police Department does a great job of handling traffic flow, which is no easy task considering the thousands of vehicles leaving the fairgrounds, school and church parking lots and side streets all at the same time.

“We are working to make 2018 the best yet,” said one of Boomtown’s newest committee members, Teddi Newton. “We’re meeting regularly to discuss everything from t-shirt sales to vendor locations to help ensure everything goes as smooth as possible.”

“And, we already have an awesome band booked,” added Newton’s daughter and newest Committee member, Laurie Ortner. Slap ‘N Tickle will bring their high-energy musical act to Boomtown in 2018

More information will be released as the event nears on the Boomtown Facebook page and at www.vintonboomtown.com.