2025 Big Boom Bracket Battle Explosive 8

Perry Chamber Continues the 2025 July 4^th Fireworks Drive
Big Boom Bracket Battle Explosive 8 Announced
 
Perry, March 11, 2025 – The first round of the Big Boom Bracket Battle brought in a total of $2,366.83 for the Perry Chamber of Commerce’s annual fireworks drive for the community’s 4^th of July fireworks display. After one week of collecting donations for the Sweet-as-Pie 16, the Chamber has announced who will be advancing as the Explosive 8 for the bracket battle. 
 
“Switching from the no-strings-attached Facebook likes in the Elimination Round now to donations as votes for the bracket is a game changer,” says Lynsi Pasutti, Executive Director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, noting close races and the top two ‘seeded’ spots falling short.
 
One matchup was particularly close and down to the wire. #2 Ashlee McIlhon of Misfits & More – falling short of #15 Sarah Reimers of the Perry Booster Club right in the final minutes of the round – shared  that she was appreciative of the opportunity. “I can’t say I’m too bummed to not get a pie in my face, but I am bummed that I didn’t get to move on after all the support you all have given me,” McIlhon stated. “Thank you so much for your support and for donating not only to me, but to all of the participants and to a great cause for the community.”
 
The Explosive 8 advancing to the next round are:
 
(3) Grason Hill, Perry Fire Department vs. (11) Quin Mahler-Moreno, Perry High School
(4) Michael Peterson, City of Perry vs. (12) Eddie Diaz, DMACC VanKirk Career Academy
(7) Misty Conrad, Perry Water Works vs (15) Sarah Reimers, Perry Booster Club
(8) Paige Scheib, Edward Jones vs. (16) Jackson VanKirk, Progressive Foundry
 
Donations for this round of the contest will be accepted now through Tuesday, March 18th at 12pm and the Firecracker 4 will begin that same day. Online donations can be submitted at https://GiveButter.comBBBB8 and in-person donations will be collected at the McCreary Community Building (1800 Pattee 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, accepted online, by mail, and at various locations in town. The ultimate winner will be rewarded with a pie in their face at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on Tuesday, April 1st.
 
For more information and to follow along on with the progress of the Big Boom Bracket Battle, visit www.PerryIAChamber.org/Foundation or the Perry Chamber’s Facebook page.  Questions can be directed to the Perry Chamber at @Lynsi@PerryIAChamber.org or (515) 465-4601.
 
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