Contact: Jeff Morgan, Jeff.Morgan@iowa.gov, (515) 281-3858

(DES MOINES) – Grab the best seat in town to see Fire in the Sky.

The State Historical Building will open its third-floor terrace from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005 for an Exclusive Fireworks Viewing Party to celebrate Fire in the Sky, Des Moines’ traditional pre-holiday fireworks display. The party, a fundraiser for the State Historical Society of Iowa, will offer festive desserts, cocktails and holiday music. Tickets are $20 for adults/$15 for State Historical Society members and include reserved parking. Reservations can be made by contacting Inger Hall at 515-281-8741 or Inger.Hall@iowa.gov. The State Historical Building is located at 600 E. Locust Street in the heart of Des Moines’ Historic East Village.

“With Fire in the Sky moving to the East Village this year, we’re delighted to hold this special event on our terrace,” Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Anita Walker said. “The terrace is both indoors and outdoors and offers a breathtaking, panoramic view from the State Capitol Building to downtown Des Moines. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some good food and drink and enjoy the best-possible view of the fireworks.”

Fire in the Sky is merging with the East Village’s annual Holiday Promenade this year. Downtown Event Group organizers expect more than 60,000 people to converge on the East Village from 5 to 9 p.m. for a lighted parade, holiday shopping, children’s activities and fireworks.

In addition to offering the Viewing Party, the Historical Building and its museum exhibits will be open 5-9 p.m. Admission is free, and visitors will find plenty of books, games, food and other gift ideas in the Museum Store. Visitors can also have their holiday photographs taken in a traditional Victorian parlor, which will be decked out in seasonal decorations. The parlor is part of the museum’s Discover Victorian Iowa exhibit, open through Nov. 27.

The State Historical Society of Iowa is a trustee of Iowa’s historical legacy and an advocate for understanding Iowa’s past. It identifies, records, collects, preserves, manages and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources. Its dual mission of preservation and education serves Iowans of all ages, conducts and stimulates research, disseminates information, and encourages and supports historical preservation and education efforts of others throughout the state.

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