📣 DON’T MISS THIS: History’s Hottest Block Party is Back! 🍒🇺🇸

West Branch is rolling out the red carpet for Hoover’s Hometown Days 2026 this Friday and Saturday (August 7–8), and this year’s lineup is packed with small-town tradition, high-energy competition, and major community milestones!

Whether you're coming for the day or making a full weekend out of it, here is your ultimate cheat sheet of the absolute must-sees and standout events you can't miss:

✨ The Big Highlights & New Additions:

🏛️ The Grand Reopening & Special Sneak Peeks: Kick off your week early or time your stroll right to experience the newly renovated Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum! Plus, don't miss the special Freedom 250 truck rolling into town on Wednesday to celebrate President Hoover's birthday.

🏃‍♀️ The 7th Annual Hoover Prairie Run : Start your Saturday strong! Choose between the challenging 5K trail run through the stunning, peak-bloom tall-grass prairie at the National Historic Site or the scenic 1.5K walk around the presidential grounds.

🏐 The Legendary Hoover-Ball Championships: This is the ultimate West Branch spectator sport! Catch the fierce final national championship matches down at the Village Green to cap off your Saturday.

🚒 Friday Night Kickoff & Fire Station Stage: Dive straight into Hometown Night! Grab some great eats and drinks to support the local volunteer Fire Department at their grill and beer garden, then head over to the Fire Station Stage for live music starting at 8 PM.

🛍️ Eat, Shop & Explore All Day Saturday:

🎈 Family Fun Galore: The classic Mayor’s Parade, giant bubbles, a petting zoo, inflatables, and jaw-dropping interactive activities hosted by our local award-winning robotics team!

🗺️ Stroll Historic Main Street: Skip the big-box rush and support incredible local small businesses, pop-up shops, unique makers, and delicious food trucks tucked right into our charming downtown. (Pro tip: Give yourself plenty of time to pop into the local creative shops and hidden gems while you wander!)

🧠 The Hoover Forum: History buff? Head to the Figge Auditorium for "Hoover and the Postwar World," featuring incredible guest speakers examining Hoover's post-WWII work in Germany and the debate over NATO.

Mark your calendars, round up the family, and come experience the unmatched community pride that makes West Branch shine. Let’s turn up the heat on history this weekend! 🔥🎉

📍 Where: Historic Downtown West Branch & Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

📅 When: Friday, August 7 (4 PM–Midnight) & Saturday, August 8 (10 AM–5 PM & beyond!)

🔗 Check out the full schedule of events at hooverdays.org!