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Jerry's Jottings: Countdown to the best of Hoover's Hometown Days
by Jerry Fleagle, Hoover Association · Op-Ed · July 31, 2014


It’s here! The weekend that brings home class reunions, former natives, guests and people looking to learn, have some great family fun and celebrate Herbert Hoover’s life. And don’t forget the great fireworks and music.


Yes, it’s time for Hoover’s Hometown Days, Aug. 1 and 2. Of course, being a part of the planning committee for the event for months (and believe me, West Branch has some VERY dedicated volunteers that have been working long and hard on this so EVERYONE has a good time) has given me some insight into the plans and I wanted to share what I consider my “Top Ten” do not miss events and experiences.

10. The Kids Experience — Besides even more inflatables this year on the Village Green and numerous games for kids, it is ALL FREE. So take the kids and have a great time watching them have fun while visiting with neighbors and friends.

9. Hoover Life Celebration — Held on the Acciona Windpower Stage on the east lawn of the Library-Museum, our keynote speaker will be Herbert Hoover’s great grandson, Allan Hoover III. Many of you have met “A3,” as we know him around the Yellow House, and he will give us some special insights of what it is like to be a Hoover family member and how he “Celebrates Family,” the theme of this year’s Hoover’s Hometown Days. We will also have an uplifting program featuring several musical selections by the “Metro Mix”- plus free birthday cake immediately afterwards for all attendees to celebrate Hoover’s birthday.

8. Dave Zollo and the Body Electric band – 1 p.m. on the Acciona Windpower Stage. Dave has performed around eastern Iowa for several years, so grab lunch from one of the vendors in Heritage Square, grab your lawn chair, and enjoy some great music.

7. Bill Riley Talent Search -This is the second year of hosting the Talent Search, and we have over 25 acts entered so far at the Acciona Windpower Stage at 3 p.m. This is one of the final regional competitions before the Iowa State Fair Finals next week, so grab a lawn chair, take a place under the Park’s shade trees and enjoy Iowa youngsters showing off their talent.

6. Mayor’s Parade — What’s a celebration without a parade? The route is posted in the Times, but my favorite spot will be near the intersection of Main and Downey, to hear former Mayor Mike Quinlan announce the entries in his own, irreverent style. Several Hoover family members have made it back to West Branch this weekend — look for them in the parade.

5. What’s a town without a Main Street? Not much. So go and celebrate on OUR Main Street Saturday. Free entertainment, pony rides, as well as special displays by many Main Street merchants and word has it there is going to be some pretty classic vehicles parked on Main.

4. Hoover-Ball! The 27th Annual National Championships are held this weekend on the “Wimbledon of Hoover-Ball Courts” at 312 West Main. Come enjoy the intense, but friendly competition. You will see how Herbert Hoover actually LOST weight playing Hoover-ball for just 30 minutes a day while in the White House.

3. The Fireman’s Dinner and Saturday Night entertainment by Lonesome Road — That is one meal I will not miss! Great food, for a great cause. This fire department is recognized as one of the best around, and it’s about protecting YOU. Their calls number more than most metro fire departments, and they are all volunteers. Support those who you may need to call on someday. Lonesome Road plays from 8 to midnight at the Fire Station.

2. Come and welcome President George W. Bush (you won’t know if he is or isn’t unless you come.) on the Acciona Windpower Stage at 7 p.m. He has been preparing some special remarks for the West Branch community — be sure to come and see who “Dubya” is going to needle. It is a great way to relax after the Fireman’s Dinner — and catch free shuttle rides over to the Park in golf carts driven by your City Council members.

1. We saved the best for last! Come and see the best fireworks shows around, sponsored by the City of West Branch. And, we have paired the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band to the fireworks for a show you will not want to miss. The Band will perform on the Acciona Windpower Stage, where you can enjoy the music and the fireworks in a lawn chair in front of the Library-Museum.

I am excited to experience Hoover’s Hometown Days once again! Look elsewhere in today’s Times for a full schedule of activities for all ages — its family-friendly fun you won’t want to miss!