The Perry Chamber of Commerce is beginning their Fourth of July fundraiser with a fun community series during the month of March.

The sixth annual Big Boom Bracket Battle is off and running, as the first round of voting begins today. Chamber Director Lynsi Pasutti shares that 62 people were nominated this year, but between 20-30 will be participating. She explains that each individual in the bracket battle submitted a photo, which is posted on the Perry Chamber’s Facebook page, and anyone, whether an Iowa resident or not, can vote by liking or loving the photo. Pasutti reveals the winner will take a pie to the face, and emphasizes that the event is growing countywide.

“It’s just really fun. It’s meant to be fun, it’s silly. We’ve had other chambers reach out and want to do it in their communities, which I think is exciting because it just shows it’s a unique way to fundraise that every little bit adds up. You can donate a dollar, you can donate $100 and it all helps go towards the fireworks drive in general, but then it’s a fun way to have that friendly competition as well.”

Pasutti elaborates that a “like” on a person’s photo is worth one point, while a “love” is eligible for two points. She notes that the voting is open now through Tuesday at noon, and that the top 16 with the most votes will advance to the elimination round.