HOOVER'S HOMETOWN DAYS
MISSION
An annual festival for residents and visitors that combines a variety of activities recognizing the unique
heritage of West Branch, Iowa, hometown of Herbert Hoover, while supporting and celebrating our thriving small-town community.
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VISION
Hoover’s Hometown Days aims to be a financially sustainable destination event that gives attendees an
experience that integrates recreation, education, heritage, and community. The celebration will foster
collaboration, volunteerism, and support local organizations while inspiring hometown pride.
Help Needed!
Now is the time that our community must step-up to actively support Hoover’s Hometown Days in order for the traditional event to continue in West Branch. After the successful 2023 event on August 4-5, Hoover’s Hometown Days will no longer be coordinated or funded by the City of West Branch Government due to necessary budget cuts caused by legislative changes at the state level. This decision was formally made in June by City Council.
We hope to carry on the tradition with a committee of volunteer leaders, continued sponsor support and collaboration with local non-profit organizations including Main Street West Branch, Hoover Presidential Foundation, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, West Branch Fire Department Foundation, West Branch Lions Club and Whitney’s Wings.
To maintain this tradition we ideally need to raise approximately $20k-$30k in seed money to replace City funding (in addition to the generous sponsors that we hope will continue to support the event each year). A GoFundMe page has been created to help gather financial support and allow for plans to begin for the 2024 event. City Council has earmarked $10,000 towards this goal to help the new committee transition. Supporters are invited to make a donation online below. Checks can also be sent to Main Street West Branch with “Hoover’s Hometown Days” in the memo line (PO Box 786).
This is the funding that helps provide beloved elements of the event like free bounce houses and inflatables, bubble stations, balloon artists, and live music on Main Street and at the Fire Station. It’s also key to the festival overall by paying for required items like permits, insurance, power, signage, marketing, etc. that help pull together events happening throughout town to create a cohesive event for thousands of people to enjoy.
The vision is that Hoover’s Hometown Days will become financially self-sustaining and continue to give attendees an experience that integrates recreation, education, heritage, and community. The celebration aims to foster collaboration and volunteerism while supporting local and inspiring hometown pride.
Donations will be managed by Main Street West Branch as the new committee is formalized. Committee meetings will begin in early September.