The search for a new home for the Marshalltown Fourth of July fireworks display ended this week with the announcement the Central Iowa Fairgrounds would play host to the event.
The past several years the event has been held on the grounds of the Iowa Veterans Home, but with construction activity currently underway out there, that is no longer possible.
"We had to kind of look for different areas and different places to go without stepping on the veterans' toes, which is a main concern of mine and the committee," said Denny Grabenbauer, a Marshall County supervisor and chairman of the committee in charge of the Independence Day celebration.
After the announcement was made that IVH was no longer a viable location, Grabenbauer said the fairgrounds eventually surfaced to the top of the list.
"It was a great opportunity," he said. "The fireworks program outgrew the veterans home area. It's going to be an all-day festival."
In the past, the official festivities began during the afternoon hours and carried over into the evening.
As in the past, the CBD will be involved in doing various fund-raisers during the event and some fundraising will also be done for the Central Iowa Fair, according to Grabenbauer. There is also the possibility of some additional events and attractions at the fairgrounds during the Fourth of July celebration, but Grabenbauer said some of those details are still being worked out.
While some have openly questioned whether the fairgrounds is a good option because of parking concerns, Grabenbauer dismissed the notion.
"The parking situation is going to be better than it has been any year in the past," he said. "We have 40-some acres at the fairgrounds."
Further, overflow parking will be available at the high school, with the city expected to run regular shuttles between the school and the fairgrounds.
Another thing that will be unique about the situation is that seating will be provided from which to watch the fireworks at the race track grandstand.
"With the new grandstand facility being constructed, there will be wheelchair access," Grabenbauer said. "It's going to work out really well for those from the veterans home who want to come and watch."
The Independence Day celebration will be held this year at the Central Iowa Fairgrounds after moving from the Iowa Veterans Home. Organizers say the fairgrounds will offer plenty of parking and a nice, uncongested area.