Local resident opens home to performers

When it comes to thrills, the “Impact World Tour” is in no short supply.

The three-day tour, which makes a stop at the Berg Complex this weekend, will feature a different group each day, and many local residents, including Julie Jones, have opened their homes to up to tour performers. She said a year’s worth of work went into setting up the event.

“I have never done anything like this before,” Jones said with a smile. “I have two (members of Team Xtreme) that are staying with me. We have five participating churches that are supporting it. We’ve had donations from local businesses, lots of people opening their homes, providing them meals, donating (various items). I have two martial arts guys, they are brothers,” Jones said. “One of them is in high school, so they are young.”

The two performers came in earlier in the month and don’t just sit around until their next performance. They are involved with several smaller events, including school assemblies at Aurora Heights Elementary, Berg Elementary and Newton Senior High School.

When performing for an assembly, the group focuses on messages like anti-bullying, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have time to enjoy the community.

“They are eating at different places,” Jones said. “Different people have sponsored their meals.”

She also said the performers are always out and about.

“I don’t see a lot of them, they are (always) busy,” Jones said. “I give them breakfast (and) I maybe see them five minutes and then they come back — I think last night they came back at maybe 11 (p.m.) Today they were practicing at the Y.”

Jones said other performers are staying in the Pella area and are performing smaller shows throughout Jasper County. Both Newton and Pella are working together to make the performers feel comfortable during their stay.

“If we get donations in Newton that cover what Pella needs, that’s great, and if Pella gets donations that cover some of the stuff that Newton needs, that’s great too,” Jones said.

Team Xtreme will be featured Friday and, like its name, the acts will be intense.

“They do weight lifting and martial arts, break bricks and metal,” Jones said. “They do all kinds of things. It’s a great show.”

According to the team’s website, “The athletes of Team Xtreme aren’t afraid to tackle the tough stuff in life, whether it be a metal bar or a difficult choice. They bust through bricks while encouraging their audience to shatter barriers in their lives.”

In addition, GX International will take the stage Saturday. The group is made up of professional and amateur bikers, bladers and skater. Members will perform tricks like grinding and hand planting. The group also knows how to bust a move, as the show will feature hip-hop music and break dancers.

“Skateboarding is the primary part of the show, but they have other things,” Jones said.

Sunday will feature a flavor of the Pacific, as the group “Island Breeze” will perform.

The Island Breeze performers will display many dances native to the Pacific islands, including the hula dance. The group has performed for audiences such as the King of Tonga and the Royal Family on the Island of Tongatapu.

Impact World Tour events will take place Friday through Sunday at 7 p.m. at Berg Middle School.