• Article Photo. Rainbows covered the street as firefighters from more than 100 teams competed in water fights.
    Rainbows covered the street as firefighters from more than 100 teams competed in water fights.
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  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. A rainbow and the reflection of Garrison firefighters covers the street during a water fight.
    A rainbow and the reflection of Garrison firefighters covers the street during a water fight.
  • Article Photo. Hayden Elizabeth Boldt with dad Brad Boldt and grandpa Marv Boldt of Traer.
    Hayden Elizabeth Boldt with dad Brad Boldt and grandpa Marv Boldt of Traer.
  • Article Photo. A hot air balloon sailed over Vinton as the Saturday parade began.
    A hot air balloon sailed over Vinton as the Saturday parade began.
  • Article Photo. NASCART? Two golf carts were decked out in the paint jobs of famous racers.
    NASCART? Two golf carts were decked out in the paint jobs of famous racers.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Christian Simmons of Independence found some fun things to do at Convention.
    Christian Simmons of Independence found some fun things to do at Convention.
  • Article Photo. Brian Parr carved this tribute which will soon stand in front of the Vinton fire station.
    Brian Parr carved this tribute which will soon stand in front of the Vinton fire station.
  • Article Photo. Bowlers marked an Iowa map at Berry's Lanes to show where they live.
    Bowlers marked an Iowa map at Berry's Lanes to show where they live.
  • Article Photo. One IFA member put on a clown nose under his firemen's helmet for the parade.
    One IFA member put on a clown nose under his firemen's helmet for the parade.
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  • Article Photo. A Belle Plaine firefighter rides his department's 122-year-old steamer in the parade.
    A Belle Plaine firefighter rides his department's 122-year-old steamer in the parade.
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  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. The Chariton FD brought its horse-drawn steamer.
    The Chariton FD brought its horse-drawn steamer.
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  • Article Photo. Vinton residents may remember seeing this aerial truck from Hiawatha during the 9/5/09 Legion fire.
    Vinton residents may remember seeing this aerial truck from Hiawatha during the 9/5/09 Legion fire.

There was lots of laughter and excitement as the Iowa Firefighter's Association members -- nearly 2,500 of them -- gathered in Vinton. There were also a few tears too, as members remembered firefighters who have died in the past year, or who are facing illness.

Here are a few of our favorite photos from this year's event. 

Look for more stories about the convention, its competitions, events and participants very soon.