The Science Center of Iowa announced that it will postpone its annual fundraising event and auction, “SCI’s Big Blast,” to mid-November in response to rising numbers of COVID-19 infections in Iowa and uncertainty about the delta variant. Originally scheduled for Aug. 27, the event is the Science Center’s largest annual fundraiser. “Throughout the pandemic, our decision-making has been rooted in science,” said Curt Simmons, SCI president and CEO. “And while we are disappointed to not gather together next week as planned, the safety of our supporters, volunteers and staff is our top priority. By delaying until November, we hope that the current surge will have subsided and we will be able to host a full and unbridled celebration of science in Iowa.” The event is now scheduled for Nov. 12. Tickets can be purchased at www.sciowa.org/bigblast.