NEWTON, Iowa (May 2, 2022) – The Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) is bringing their annual convention to Newton this summer. The public is invited to join them for three nights for Thunderstruck Over Iowa Speedway. This is the public’s chance to see one of the largest fireworks shows around the nation put on by professionals.

"I saw the PGI Convention perform in 1997 and the fireworks were some of the best I have ever seen. Now to bring that excitement to Newton, along with awesome concerts, it will be of the most exciting events happening this summer in Central Iowa," said Randy Ervin, PGI-Newton steering committee chair.

“Greater Des Moines is becoming known for hosting explosive events, but Thunderstruck Over Iowa Speedway is going to give people the most bang for their buck, literally,” said Greg Edwards, CEO and president of Catch Des Moines. “There’s a reason why we say, ‘In Des Moines, the S’s are silent, but our city is booming!'”   

These three public nights will also feature a concert. The concerts will take place on the Get to Know Newton stage at the Iowa Speedway. Performances include:

  • Jan and Dean’s Beach Party featuring Dean Torrence and the Surf City Allstars on Sunday, July 31
  • 80s rock sensation Hairball on Tuesday, August 2
  • Rising country music star Alexandra Kay and Iowa's own Kraft Brothers on Friday, August 5

The concerts will start at 7 p.m. each night with a 90-mintue fireworks show to follow. Tickets can be purchased for $20 here: www.pgi-newton.com/entertainment.

Proceeds from Prairie Meadows presents Thunderstruck Over Iowa Speedway powered by Catch Des Moines will benefit Central Iowa nonprofit charities. 

Available b-roll footage:
PGI Fireworks video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFA0iW6zveg
Jan and Dean's Beach Party: "Jan & Dean's Beach Party, Featuring Dean Torrence" - Latest Most Grooviest Promotional Video - YouTube
Hairball: Hairball Promo Video - YouTube
Alexandra Kay: AK Promo

 

About Catch Des Moines
Catch Des Moines is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 15 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.