Triple-digit temperatures and firework bans taking place all over the country didn't scare Marshalltown Wednesday for its annual Fourth of July celebration.
Temperatures soared to 100 degrees which, Denny Grabenbauer, fireworks committee chair, said hurt the attendance for this years event held at the Central Iowa Fairgrounds and forced one of the performances to back out.
"Our cloggers had to cancel due to the extreme heat," he said. "The weather is an issue every year we do this, and this year it happens to be the heat, but we've had rain and cold weather before, so this is just fine."
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T-R PHOTO BY LUKE STALZER
Fireworks concluded a successful day of celebrating the Fourth of July in Marshalltown Wednesday night at the Central Iowa Fairgrounds. The fireworks cost around $12,000 and nearly 22,000 shells were shot off.
With several states canceling fireworks due to the extreme drought taking place, Grabenbauer said contemplating on canceling the fireworks was never an issue.
"There is no burn ban in Marshall County, so we were able to go on with the show," he said.
State Center resident Micki Butler traveled into town for the celebration and said she enjoyed the day.
"It's been pretty good," she said. "It's really entertaining and there's a lot to do for everyone."
Different food vendors were on hand along with miniature golf and inflatables for the kids. Live entertainment was provided by Magician Kent Geffe, Erin Scott, D.J. Legendary, M'tunes and the Marshalltown Municipal Band.
"We've been happy with the turn-out and happy with all of the performances," Grabenbauer said.
The celebration came to an end with 22,000 shells of fireworks set off by J & M Displays that cost nearly $12,000 and Grabenbauer said, it was one of the best displays he's seen in years and he's already looking forward to next year.
"We're always looking ahead," he said.