News : Boomtown organizers promising a \'train wreck\' in the good sense

The old cliche says that a "train wreck" is something that goes very poorly. But in the world of fireworks, a train wreck is something that inspires the audience to cheer loudly.

Vinton Today Editor Dean Close was in Mason City with several Vinton area members of the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association in the summer of 2009, when they attended that years Pyrotechnic Guild International annual Convention.

One of the displays was the train wreck display seen here.

[VIDEO]

The Boomtown web site tells the story of Joe Connolly, the Iowan who staged many real head-on train wrecks, using old railroad engines, at the Iowa State Fair and other events. The fireworks train wreck is a tribute to Connolly's memory.

The train wreck display is just one of the parts of the fifth annual Boomtown, which draws more participants, more spectators and more displays each year.

The event takes place this year in August, from Friday Aug. 26 through Saturday, Aug. 27.