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Hoover’s Hometown Days 2023

2023 Uncategorized

Hoover’s Hometown Days is an annual festival for residents and visitors that combines a variety of activities recognizing the unique heritage of West Branch, Iowa, hometown of 31st U.S. President Herbert Hoover, while supporting and celebrating our thriving small-town community. Find a full schedule of events at hooverdays.org or visit the Hoover’s Hometown Days page on Facebook for details about each activity.


Hoover’s Hometown Days will return in 2023 on Friday & Saturday August 4 & 5! Activities will include FREE entertainment like live music, bouncy houses and inflatable games, petting zoo, museum admission and the annual Mayor’s parade! There will be plenty to eat, shop and explore throughout the historic Main Street district and the adjacent National Park including historic reenactments, vendors and food trucks. Come enjoy a day in West Branch and end the night with live music in the Fire Department’s beer tent. There’s something for everyone at Hoover’s Hometown Days! 

Find the full event schedule, maps, registration links and more on this site — hooverdays.org and follow Hoover’s Hometown Days on Facebook and Instagram @hoovershometowndays. 


This multi-day event is organized by The City of West Branch, Main Street West Branch, the Hoover Presidential Foundation, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site National Park Service with help from local businesses and residents. Special THANK YOU to the 2023 Title Sponsors – Heritage Hill & Parkside BP/Advantage Builders, and US Autoforce. 

Chautauqua Tent

2019 Entertainment Events National Park Uncategorized

The National Park Service and Hoover Presidential Foundation are once again bringing back the Chautauqua Tent!  Located across from the Birthplace Cottage, the tent features fun and educational programming for all ages.

This year we’re excited to feature a portrayal of the man himself, Herbert Hoover — as performed by Brian Fox Ellis! Fox is an internationally acclaimed author, storyteller, historian, and naturalist, and has been a featured speaker at Chautauqua in many states. He has worked with museums and presidential libraries to bring detail and accuracy to his programs. His Hoover program will focus on Hoover’s humanitarian campaign during WWI, “Food Will Win the War.” Learn about how Hoover managed production and distribution of food, worked with farm cooperatives and millers, and mobilzed an army of home ec teachers and housewives, in an effort to both feed the troops and empower women on the home front. Check him out 3:00pm on Saturday, August 3rd.

Remember, if you enjoy hearing about Hoover’s humanitarian work, you can see more in the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum for FREE until 5:00pm!

Hoover Prairie Run

2019 Events Uncategorized

On Saturday, August 3rd, you can run or walk at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, sponsored by the West Branch Lions Club! All money raised will be used by the Lions Club for community projects.

The 4.5K run follows mown grass trails through the Hoover Tall-grass Prairie. The 1.5K walk is around the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum grounds and gravesite.

Registration information:

The runs will start at 8:00am on Saturday! There will be prizes awarded for the top 3 in each category. Check out the West Branch Lions Club on Facebook for more details!

New Show!

2019 Entertainment Events Uncategorized

Master of circus arts and sideshow stunts, Martika will be doing an interactive show on Saturday at 12:30!

Sword-swallower, fire-eater, and international woman of mystery, Martika will bring high octane entertainment to the Main Street Stage this summer. You won’t believe one person can do all the things she does!

Martika’s shows are entertaining and even inspirational, which makes the show perfect for the whole family.

You can see some highlights from her performances below, but you’ll definitely want to see her act in person. When was the last time you saw someone swallow a sword in real life?!