What’s New at This Year’s Hoover’s Hometown Days?

Get ready for fresh fun at Hoover’s Hometown Days! One of the biggest changes this year is the relocation of the full Hoover-Ball National Championship Tournament to Village Green—known to longtime locals as Peanut Park. This exciting move brings the action-packed, Hoover-inspired sport front and center, allowing festivalgoers to cheer on teams while staying close to food trucks, vendors, live music, and the Fire Fighters Beer Garden.

Not to worry—kids’ activities and inflatables are still a big part of the fun! They’ve just shifted over to Main Street, where we’re closing an extra block to keep everything close together. Expect all your favorite bounce houses and obstacle courses, plus some brand-new attractions selected by our middle and high school Youth Advisory Board. For our youngest guests, toddler-focused bounce houses will be located in the Mural Park Lot at Main & 2nd to keep the little ones safe and happy.

While staffing challenges and ongoing construction mean fewer activities on the Hoover Campus, there’s still plenty of heritage to enjoy. Stop by Downey Trace for historic reenactors and period demonstrations, and don’t miss the traditional Hoover Life Celebration, back in its usual location.

A snapshot at "Hoover's Hootenanny" in 2024.

Capping off the weekend is Hoover’s Hootenanny—the festival finale on Saturday evening. Designed to feel like a Quaker-inspired picnic in the park, this laid-back celebration is a nod to the kind of gathering young Bert might have enjoyed during his boyhood in West Branch. It’s also our way of taking a moment to recognize and celebrate his birthday.

Join us in Village Green starting at 6:00 p.m. for the final Hoover-Ball championship games, live bluegrass music from the Burlington Street Bluegrass Band, and food and drink options from the WBFD Foundation and food truck.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors who help make the music—and the entire festival—possible. Platinum Sponsors: Heritage Hill (Rentals in West Branch) and the City of West Branch. Gold Sponsors: Martin Agency Insurance Services Inc. and Nordex. See the full list of supporters at hooverdays.org/support.

Find the full schedule at hooverdays.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for sneak peeks!