For some of us, the countdown to the Boomclock on Saturday has already started. (See the complete schedule HERE.)

As I was making a few notes, it occurred to me that perhaps now is a good time to put out a few reminders about what can be expected on Saturday, and maybe answer a few questions.

The Iowa Pyrotechnic Association (IPA) will remind us about Boomtown – presented by Veridian Credit Union, at noon on Saturday when they officially start their Boomclock.

You’ll know it when you feel it. While we welcome and encourage everyone to join us first downtown for Boomfest, starting at 9:00 with the “Bring the Noise” 5K and then at the Fairgrounds Saturday evening for Boomtown, I need to remind you, this is NOT a pet-friendly environment. Some little ones with sensitive ears also may not necessarily enjoy Boomtown and the fireworks as much we do.

Ear plugs are strongly recommended. If you’re coming to the Fairgrounds, remember that the temperature drops rapidly after dark these days, and the dew arrives early. Bring that extra layer of clothes and blankets/towels to sit on.

During the 8th Annual Boomtown in 2014, we had cars from 9 different states at the Fairgrounds. Please remember that this event draws many many people to town and while your local law enforcement have been honing their traffic strategy for Saturday, a crowd that size is going to take a little time to disperse. Please be patient and courteous, allow for some extra time at the end of the show.

Your Boomtown committee works hard alongside Benson Security to utilize the parking areas to their best capacity and the Fairboard has gone to great lengths to keep the grounds in good shape. Please respect that.

With this being our 9th year now, we realized that we have been asked some repeated questions that many people wonder about. Let’s take a moment to answer a few of them.

Q1. Why did we bring in extra bleachers and partially block the lawn seating? A1. Back at about year 4 of Boomtown, we started to field complaints/concerns regarding running out of seating too early. The IPA began to ask the Boomtown committee (BTC) to look into additional seating for their fans. The Fairboard helped us and continues to help us greatly by moving every available bleacher to the grandstands area and then, last year, we finally made the leap and secured the extra seating for the IPA and their fans. The bleachers allow for 660 more people to come inside and comfortably enjoy the show with a bird’s eye view. A win/win for everyone. Q2. Are the BTC and the IPA the same thing and how many people are on the BTC?

A2. No, the IPA are the experts and professionals that design the fireworks show and construct many of the products used during the show. The Boomtown Committee is made of 8 core members (6 of whom have been on board all 9 years). On the day of Boomtown, the committee grows to a group of more than 25 volunteers that work with more than 20 security officers, the Vinton Police Department and the Fairboard to ensure a smooth running event. The way we like to describe it is, “The IPA takes care of the show and we take care of the spectators”.

Q3. Why don’t you use more local vendors at the Fairgrounds?

A3. The first year, that is all we used and even in the beginning days of BT, our crowd was large and it became apparent that more food was needed. This weekend has evolved in many stages to get to where it is today. Our local Lions Club vends downtown at Boomfest, our local Kiwanis Club hosts a 5K and our local church/school clubs and groups take advantage of various opportunities at Tilford, the high school, and church lots all over. We have grown from 1 vendor the first year, a community volunteer appreciation meal our 2nd year, the year of the flood, and now, in year 9 to 17 food vendors from all over Iowa.

Q4. Is the IPA open to the public?

A4. The IPA is an Association and yes, people can join them at any time. The night of Boomtown, an individual or family can join for $25. That membership fee will allow them the ability to watch the show from the track on Saturday night and the permission to purchase and shoot class C fireworks prior to the show. Please note, any and ALL fireworks purchased must be shot at the Fairgrounds the night of Boomtown. They may NOT leave the premises. 

Q5. How long does it take to plan Boomtown?

A5. While some things become almost routine in the planning, it still takes a lot of communication and even some ‘group get togethers’ during the ensuing year. Small (and sometimes large) adjustments are always being made. Email inboxes light up and memos abound. All to improve the quality of the next show for the Boomtown fans.

Q6. (aka: the NUMBER ONE question) So, where does all the money from the parking and admissions go when the show is over?

A6. We have been extremely fortunate to have so much support all 9 years and this year, that trend continues in ways from 100% donated goods/services, deeply discounted goods/services and full sponsorship of the band. Even with that support, we still have expenses, such as: our merchandise (produced in Benton County), our supplies (6000(+) people use a lot of paper products), 20+ security officers, porta-potties, and yes, the bleachers. After we take care of all of our financial obligations, we give the remaining profits right back to the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association and the Junior Iowa Pyrotechnic Association for their use towards the entire ‘show’. We are happy every year to ‘give back’ to the group that has made all of this possible. They have made it possible to showcase our town, our fairgrounds and our hospitality in such a unique way that people from all over look forward to coming back again year after year. We are grateful for the opportunities that Boomtown has brought us.