Busted! April First Jellyfish Report Turns Out To Be Not Completely True

Let's get real folks, nobody really believed that these marvelous fixtures were actually jellyfish residing in Elkader (but if you did, that's OK too). However, they were in fact inspired by those beautiful creatures, Chrysaora Colorata. Not exactly a "smack" or "bloom," but an amazingly complex and gorgeous multiple-fixture Fire Farm Lighting project.

Above, the "jellyfish" in question. Upon further investigation, they turned out not to be actual members of any genus or species, but are still pretty cool anyway. Photographs by Jim Walch.

They have left our warehouse, not via our scenic Turkey River, but by motor and then marine freight to their final destination in the Bahamas where they will grace a 50-foot tall atrium.

Pictured: Jerel "Jack" Palas, Acrylic and Refraction Specialist.

These five fixtures are unbelievably light in weight, but pack a very substantial visual impact! All fabricated from an array of proprietary materials and processes, right here in Elkader, Iowa.

These pieces, as with most Fire Farm creations, can be modified to accommodate your wildest vision or dream.

Jim Walch of Fire Farm

Breaking News: New Species of Jellyfish Discovered in Small-Town Iowa

APRIL 1, 2010. Elkader, Iowa
A smack* of giant jellyfish appeared in Fire Farm's warehouse early Tuesday afternoon, much to the surprise of local residents. Says one witness, "I've never seen a real jellyfish before. They seem to like it here."

The Iowan jellyfish in their "new favorite hang-out" spot.

Local jellyfish experts believe the glowing jellies were migrating up the Mississippi River before taking a scenic detour onto the Turkey River, which flows straight through Elkader. Although the exact species is unknown, they bear a striking resemblance to another aquatic Fire Farm creature, affectionately named Project 2748.

Elkader residents have begun calling the jellyfish "Project 3060," thanks to their close resemblance to the previously discovered Project 2748 (above right). "We think they might be first or second cousins," says someone who knows a bunch about genetics.

It is unclear exactly how long they will stay, but the rural community has welcomed the visitors with its usual warm hospitality. "We have a lot to offer tourists, so I'm not surprised they decided to stick around," says one Elkader resident. "We're really hoping they'll spread the word to all of their friends."

*Yes, that's what a group of jellyfish is called. Also: bloom or swarm.