FAQ – Vinton Boomtown

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How much does it cost to watch?
The fireworks are free to watch throughout the area and can be seen for miles around. However, if you are not at the fairgrounds, you’re missing half the show! Ground effects, heart-pounding music and feel-the-heat-on-your-face fireballs set the scene for the greatest pyrotechnic show you’ll ever see. Please understand, the cost of fireworks has increased exponentially. Free-will donations are greatly appreciated at the gate entrances if you are not parking at the fairgrounds. You are welcome to bring your lawn chairs and blankets for lawn seating at no additional cost. Seating in the grandstands is $15 per seat (all ages) and advance reserved seating for groups will also be available. Parking at the fairgrounds is $20 per vehicle (no buses or trailers allowed) with no additional charge for lawn seating. For more information on this years event, visit the schedule of events page. (take me to the top)

Where can I buy tickets?
Grandstand tickets are available at the grandstands when gates open on Saturday. There are no early or reserved individual ticket sales for general admission seating. Planning a party? Group seating is available, but don’t wait, email for availability and pricing of reserved seating. (take me to the top)

Rain or shine? Really?
Yes. It takes months of choreographing and days of wiring to set up the grand public display. Bring your umbrellas and be ready for a good time. Updates will be posted as frequently as possible on the website and Facebook. There are no refunds, no exceptions. (take me to the top)

Can I bring a cooler?
Coolers are not allowed per Fairboard rules. The Benton County Fairboard operates a beer tent and other beverages and food are available on-site from food vendors. (take me to the top)

What forms of payment are accepted?
Cash. There is no ATM available at the fairgrounds, please come prepared. (take me to the top)

Is an ATM available on the grounds?
There is no on-site ATM available. ATM’s are located throughout Vinton, including local financial institutions and gas stations.
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Can I bring my pets?
No. Boomtown is NOT a pet-friendly event. Please leave them at home. Local residents are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian if their pets are scared of loud noise. Service animals are welcome. Please be advised of loud noises and bright flashes of light for all animals. (take me to the top)

Is smoking permitted?
Smoking is not permitted in the grandstands or in line at any vendor booth, in accordance with Iowa law. Please show respect to the property and those around you. (take me to the top)

Will earplugs be available?
Earplugs will be available to purchase at the Boomtown Vending Booth near the entrance of the grandstands. (take me to the top)

Is there anything for kids to do at the fairgrounds?
You are welcome to bring small-sized, safe toys and games for your family but please show respect for other people and their property. We will not be held liable for any damaged, lost or stolen property. (take me to the top)

Will the show be broadcast on the radio?
Local radio towers have caused problems with our low-power transmission in previous years, however, we will make every effort to broadcast the music on a radio frequency for those outside the fairgrounds. We will not know the frequency until we get closer to the event. Please check the website and Facebook for the frequency. (take me to the top)

Can I camp at the fairgrounds?
***IPA members: You need to reserve your spot through the IPA. Contact the IPA for more information.
Public camping spots are scarce. Prior campers have first choice, then they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’d like to camp at the fairgrounds or have other questions, visit www.iowapyro.com and we’ll put you on the standby list. We’ll let you know if a spot opens up. Absolutely no spots will be reserved without payment, no exceptions. Click HERE for other lodging options. (take me to the top)

Can I pay for parking and then leave the fairgrounds?
Yes, we can give you a pass to get back in, but we do NOT save parking spaces. The pass will only get you back in the gate IF there are spaces left. You risk losing your parking spot if you leave. NO REFUNDS. NO EXCEPTIONS. (take me to the top)

Are there handicap parking spaces available?
Yes, approximately 40 spaces are reserved near the grandstands. Please have your state issued tags visible to parking staff and tell them you would like easy access parking. We will make every effort to fulfill your request, but please remember parking areas fill up quickly. (take me to the top)

Vendors
Food vendors are welcome at the fairgrounds for Boomtown. A flat fee for vending is charged to all vendors. Once your application has been approved and all fees are paid. Water and electrical hookups are limited. Please be sure to speak with us regarding your power requirements prior to the event. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO WE PROVIDE POWER CORDS OR OTHER SUPPLIES. Please be prepared. (take me to the top)

How do I learn more about fireworks?
Join the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association! The IPA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to safe, legal and artistic pyrotechnic operation in the state of Iowa. The club helps the professional development of it’s members through training, demonstration and the exchange of information. For more information visit the IPA website at www.iowapyro.com