Photo Courtesy of Perry Chamber

The Perry Chamber’s Big Boom Bracket Battle continues to heat up as the field has been narrowed to four. 

Executive Director Lynsi Pasutti says just over $1,000 was raised during the second round of the contest. She adds that brings the total to $2,737 for the community’s Fourth of July fireworks display. 

Pasutti details that the competition came down to the wire to see who would be advancing from the Explosive 8 to the Firecracker 4.

“This second round was slow to start, but very active right at the end with quite a few donations coming in within the last half hour and very final minutes. It was exciting to see the competition build and very surprising to see the outcome at the very end!”

The final standings of the Explosive 8 were:

• (6) Brent Rowe, Perry DMACC VanKirk Career Academy with $265 defeating (14) Andrea Brownlee, First Christian Church with $199
• (16) Misty Conrad, Perry Water Works with $115 defeating (9) Clint Lutterman, 21st Century Rehab with $103 
• (7) Jenny Adair, Perry Elementary School with $150 defeating (2) Kristy Hupp, Perry Paw Spa with $50
• (4) Jeff Huitt, Tri-County Ag with $150 defeating (5) Heather Ketelsen, Perry High School with $20

The Firecracker 4 advancing to the next round include: 

• (4) Jeff Huitt, Tri-County Ag vs. (16) Misty Conrad, Perry Water Works
• (6) Brent Rowe, Perry DMACC VanKirk Career Academy vs. (7) Jenny Adair, Perry Elementary School

Pasutti appreciates the support from the community for the bracket contest.

“We would like to thank everyone that has donated to the fireworks drive so far. It all adds up – even the spare change in the collection jars at the Library.”

She adds that additional opportunities to support the Fireworks Drive include the Radio Pie Auction on Wednesday, April 1 starting at 8 a.m. on KDLS Raccoon Valley Radio and the Centerpiece Silent Auction during the Chamber’s Annual Dinner at La Poste on Tuesday, April 7.

Donations for the third round of the contest will be accepted through noon on Tuesday, March 31 and the Final Showdown will begin that same day. 

The fireworks drive will run through the Perry Chamber Foundation and online donations can be made by clicking here.

In-person donations will be collected at the Perry Public Library, 1101 Willis Avenue, and donations may also be delivered to the Perry Chamber of Commerce at 1124 Willis Avenue or mailed to PO Box 472, Perry, IA 50220.

For more information and to follow along with the progress of the Big Boom Bracket Battle, visit

the Perry Chamber’s Facebook page. Questions can be directed to the Perry Chamber at info@PerryIAChamber.org or (515) 465-4601.