Grinnell hosting the 143rd Annual Iowa Firefighters Convention, Sept. 9 - 12; fireman's dance slated for Sept. 5

​The Grinnell Fireman’s Dance is slated for Sept. 5, from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. at the IFA Convention Campground at at the intersection of 380th Avenue and 20th Street. Deep River's Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys, pictured above, and The Wild Ones will be providing the tunes. The event is open to the general public all for a freewill offering.

     The Grinnell Fire Department is hosting the 143rd Annual Iowa Firefighters Convention and Contests, Sept. 9 - 12. To host the event the Grinnell Volunteer Fire Association built a campground with 1,500 camping spaces at the intersection of 380th Avenue and 20th Street (Just west of the Grinnell High School ball fields).  As of this week, more than 90 percent of the spaces were sold. An anticipated 2,000 – 2,500 people will travel from all over the State of Iowa to Grinnell to attend the event.
     While the event ‘officially’ starts on Sept. 9, the campground opens on Friday, Sept. 3 and campers can start arriving on that day.
Fireman’s Dance
     After having to cancel the GFD’s last two firefighter dances, Chief Dan Sicard said arrangements were made to host a fireman’s dance this year on Sunday, Sept. 5, from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m., at the new Grinnell Mutual Event Tent in the Convention campground. Deep River’s Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys are slated to perform with The Wild Ones providing the opening act music. The dance is open to the public for a freewill offering.
Public Events
    On Thursday, Sept. 9, the Co-ed water fights take place and on Friday, Sept. 10, the Old-Timer and Women’s water fights will take place on the south side of Central Park. Both events start at 11 a.m. and will go until a winner is established. The public is welcome to come cheer them on.
On Saturday Sept. 11, the official Iowa Firefighter Association Drills kick the day off in Central Park beginning at 8 a.m. with a short opening ceremony. The games will be on all four sides of the park and go on all day.
A craft show takes place from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Grinnell on Saturday, Sept. 11.
Food vendors
    The following food vendors will also be downtown during the drills as well; Relish will be providing meals outside, Maria’s Tacos, Totally Rolled Ice Cream and Smokin’ J’s BBQ.
    “The end of the day Saturday will be highlighted with a parade of new and old firetrucks,” noted Grinnell Fire Chief Dan Sicard. “The parade will start at 6:30 p.m. and run the length of fourth Avenue from Penrose Street to Ferguson Avenue.”
    The entertainment for the attendees of the convention will include Hairball, Route 66 and Sushi Roll. Several of the departments will also be taking part in bowling and golf tournaments.  On Sunday, the final day, the annual meeting of the Iowa Firefighter Association will be held at the Grinnell Fire Station.