A young girl uses a bubble wand in Vining City Park on June 28 during the town’s July Fourth celebration. Bubbler Eunice Pingenot of Vinton (off frame) along with her husband Thomas brought their famous bubbles to the park as a member of the Bar-Y Pyros’ team. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

VINING – One of the best small town fireworks displays erupted nearly a week before the July Fourth holiday this year on June 28, as part of Vining’s semiannual Potluck Picnic and Fireworks.

As dusk descended Saturday evening on the Czech Trail community nestled in the Bohemie Alps, dazzling pyrotechnics by Bar-Y Pyros of Vinton illuminated the perfectly clear night sky from a hill north of town. Between booms, the quacking of the mayor’s ducks and the bleating of a resident’s goats mixed with the oohs and ahhs of the crowd, many of whom were enjoying the display while seated in and around City Park and near C.S.A. Hall.

Ahead of the show, organizers hosted the town picnic for both Vining residents and those in surrounding communities. During the meal, South Tama County Class of 1983 alum Cam Konicek of Las Vegas provided feel-good entertainment. Konicek, an Air Force veteran who was back in Tama County visiting his mother, strummed away on his guitar for the audience, playing a mix of oldies and classic rock including songs he performs as a member of The Fab, a Las Vegas Beatles tribute band.

Down the hill from the shelter house where the meal was served, bubblers Thomas and Eunice Pingenot of Vinton entertained many of the youngsters in attendance with their famous bubble displays.

This year’s fireworks show was two years in the making, co-organizer Janice Bazal, Vining Grocery and Tavern owner, told the newspaper, requiring $5,500 in fundraising most of which came from redeeming donated bottles and cans along with some monetary donations.

Fireworks by Bar-Y Pyros of Vinton explode in the night sky above Vining on Saturday, June 28, as part of the community’s semiannual celebration. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

Bazal said the celebration’s schedule is entirely dependent on how quickly organizers are able to raise funds for the fireworks, meaning those hoping to Czech out the Vining show next Fourth of July would be wise to start collecting (and donating) those cans now.

Šťastný den nezávislosti! Happy Independence Day!

Guitarist Cam Konicek performs during the Vining Potluck Picnic and Fireworks celebration held on June 28 in city park. Konicek, an STC alum, was back in Tama County via Las Vegas to visit family over the Independence Day holiday. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Bubbler Eunice Pingenot of Vinton waves a large bubble for an enthusiastic youngster on June 28 in Vining City Park. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON