Perry Chamber Launches the 2023 July 4th Fireworks Drive
Big Boom Bracket Battle Concludes with Grand Finale Duo

Perry, March 28, 2023 – The third round of the Big Boom Bracket Battle raised a total of $1,719.38 for the Perry Chamber of Commerce’s annual fireworks drive for the community’s 4th of July fireworks show, bringing total fundraising efforts now to $4,841.07 – a quarter of the total goal. Collected donations over the past week determined the winners of the Firecracker 4 to move on the Grand Finale Duo.
 
“This was a very competitive round right from the beginning, but especially in the final hours,” says Lynsi Pasutti, Executive Director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve had some close races before, but this might be the biggest upset to date”
 
The Grand Finale Duo for the final round of the Big Boom Bracket Battle are Deepak Nayyar of Bluejay Market and Mandi Ballentine of Acorns & Oaks Christian Daycare and Showtime Dance & Tumbling.  #2 Mandi Ballentine beat out #6 Lydia Olejniczak of Perry High School and #4 Deepak Nayyar beat out last year’s Champion #13 Michael Pentico of the US Postal Service.
 
“It is not the first time I’ve been surprised by the outcome of a match-up over the past four years of coordinating the Big Boom Bracket Battle,” adds Pasutti, “but it just goes to show that it is anyone’s race in the end. Regardless of the outcome, the whole community benefits from the contest since it goes to the fireworks drive!”
 
Donations for the final round of the contest will be accepted now through Tuesday, April 4th at 2pm. The leader will be announced, but a last call for donations will be made at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner later that night at La Poste, where the ultimate winner will be rewarded with a pie in their face.  Just as before, online donations may be submitted at https://Perry-Chamber.square.site and in-person donations will be collected at the McCreary Center (1800 Pattee Street), Ben’s Five & Dime (1221 2nd Street), Perry Perk (1201 Warford Street), and the Perry Grand 3 Theatres (1312 2nd Street). Donations may also be delivered to the Perry Chamber of Commerce at 1124 Willis Avenue or mailed to PO Box 472, Perry, IA 50220.
 
The Big Boom Bracket Battle is a bracket-style contest, matching up community members in four weeks of ‘head-to-head’ contests for the sake of fundraising for Perry’s 4th of July fireworks display. Advancement in the bracket is determined by donations from the community.
 
For more information and to follow along on with the progress of the Big Boom Bracket Battle, visit www.PerryIA.org/BigBoomBracketBattle or the Perry Chamber’s Facebook page.  Questions can be directed to the Perry Chamber at [email protected] or (515) 465-4601.

VOTE NOW!
Grand Finale Duo
​ ENDS 4/4
at 2pm

​3 Ways to Donate:
  • Online: https://perry-chamber.square.site
  • In-Person via Collection Jars around community​
  • ​Delivered/Mailed to Perry Chamber at 1124 Willis Avenue or PO Box 472 | Perry, IA 50220 with Memo: Fireworks Drive or Bracket (be sure to include name(s))
Additional fundraising activities will take place this spring. Stay tuned for more details!
  • April 5th Radio Pie Auction at 8am on KDLS Raccoon Valley Radio, AM 1310 / 99.7 FM
  • May: Grocery Bill Roundup at Fareway & Hy-vee grocery stores
  • Anytime: mailed donations to Perry Chamber | PO Box 472 | Perry, IA 50220

2023 Big Boom Bracket Battle Contestants

2022 Winner: Michael Pentico

2021 Winner: Shaun Welch

2020 Winners: Eddie Diaz & JP Hulgan