News : Boomtown, Boomfest organizers preparing for huge weekend Aug. 26-27

The sky over the Benton Co. Fairgrounds will fill with fireworks for Boomtown, Aug. 26-27.

It's just a little over three weeks until Boomtown and Boomfest come to Vinton. This year's events take place in August, not September.

Some members of the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association visited the Fairgrounds on Tuesday evening to make technical arrangements.

Below is a list of events:

Friday evening

It starts Friday, Aug. 26, with the TGIF event at the Fairgrounds. The beer tent opens at 6 p.m., and food vendors will have their products available, as well. The Boogie Woogers will begin their classic rock and roll show at 8 p.m., followed by a preview of the Saturday fireworks show.

Saturday morning

Saturday events at Boomtown begin at the Fairgrounds with the Chris Cakes pancakes breakfast and show from 7 to 11 a.m.

The Bring the Noise 5K race starts at 8 a.m. at the Benton County Courthouse lawn.

Boomfest downtown

Boomfest begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Vinton. Vinton Unlimited Director Nathan Hesson said that 25 vendors have purchased space for the arts and craft show. Several food vendors will also offer a variety of items. Entertainment for Boomfest includes the band New Trick, juggler Doug Sayers (who performed at Party in the Park), and inflatables and rock climbing for the kids. Radio personalities from 96.5 FM will broadcast from 10 a.m. to noon from downtown Vinton, and chain saw artist Brian Parr is also expected to participate.

Saturday evening events

Throughout the day on Saturday, Iowa Pyrotechnic Association (IPA) members will be busy setting up their displays. A countdown clock will begin at noon, and offer hourly reminders as the big show approaches.

The Fairgrounds gates open at 4 p.m. Admission to the Fairgrounds is free; parking is $10 per vehicle. Admission to the grandstands is $5 per person, and $10 for the "Boombox" seating in front.

The beer tent and food vendors also open at 4 p.m. The band Jampact will begin playing there at 6 p.m.

The IPA fireworks demonstration begins at dusk, followed by the bigger-than-ever Grand Finale and the pyrotechnic train wreck.

Veridian Credit Union is the title sponsor of Boomtown again this year.