Ames Today

During its April 3 meeting, the Boone City Council received an update form the Boone County Chamber on plans for Pufferbilly Days, a countywide event set for Aug. 4-6 in the city.

The discussion included the possible expansion of areas where alcoholic beverages could be consumed.

Boone County Chamber executive director Jennifer Hanson told the council the event will feature food trucks and social space on green areas, and Seventh Street will feature the car show. And in the heat of the August sun, Hanson noted that a water park with children’s activities will be offered.

“We realize that it’s August and we realize it is hot,” she said in the meeting. “And so one of the things that we wanted to do is really kind of capitalize on it quickly and really kind of give our community something a little different.”

Hanson reported that the chamber has worked with a rental company to secure several inflatables, water events and activities onsite.

“I want to say thanks to Justin and his team,” she said. “We're actually going to put a lot of those water activities in front of the fire station and use that space really as a great opportunity for kids and our families to enjoy that park.”

Hanson also noted that because these efforts are a part of the chamber’s vision to ensure Pufferbilly Days are family friendly, the beer tent has been a source of debate. One option would be to feature a social area that is not limited to the beer tent, allowing legal drinkers to walk with beverages from Sixth Street to Ninth Street so that they could enjoy the festivities without being limited to the beer tent.

The council also learned during the meeting that there will be security in place, including at every point of entry to the event. Anyone over the age of 21 would be required to have a wristband, even if they do not plan on drinking, and a wristband would be required to buy tickets for drinks.

It was noted during the meeting that IDs would be checked again when an individual is buying tickets, adding a layer of security.

The council asked to delay any decision on their contribution, which was projected at $5,000 to $10,000 during the discussion. Their decision will be given to Hanson at an upcoming meeting.