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Thursday, June 20, 2013
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Guest column: Big visitors for Hoover’s 50th, but all comforts of home
by Becky Allgood, Hoover Association Direct · Op-Ed · July 20, 2012
Where can you go to feel welcomed, comforted and safe? Your hometown, of course!
Kicking off on Friday evening, August 3rd with a street dance at the fire station and all day on Saturday, August 4th throughout the Hoover Historic Site and Main Street, folks will have an opportunity to enjoy a free family fun event in West Branch as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Hoover Presidential Library-Museum at Hoover’s Hometown Days.
This year’s theme is “Coming Home” to celebrate the coming home of our troops and recognize Hoover’s journey home 50 years ago.
The Mayor’s Parade kicks-off Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The parade route will end at the Hoover Gravesite where we will offer everyone FREE birthday cake and have a “Celebration of Life” ceremony at noon.
This ceremony will feature performances from a California Hoover High School Band, West Branch High School Band, and North Cedar High School Band, as well as Grammy Award winners Tonic Sol-Fa singing the National Anthem. The Black Hawk Pipes and Drums of the Quad Cities will march to the Hoover Gravesite in grand fashion in honor of our 31st President.
Gary Metivier, KWQC Channel 6 News Anchor of the Quad Cities will be our emcee. Gary was instrumental in establishing the Honor Flights to Washington DC. He also wrote a children’s book entitled: “Saluting Grandpa.” Sales from his book help raise funds for future Honor Flights. He will bring along several Honor Flight participants who will be selling his book that day.
We have so many wonderful activities that you won’t want to miss even a little bit.
There will be FREE inflatable rides for children of all ages, a pet show, face painting, and a kids tractor pull in or close to the Village Green. FREE performances of the Macbride Raptor Center, Niabi Zoo and Eulenspiegel Puppets will be at the Hoover Library auditorium, and the kids can cool off at the ever popular Water Ball Fights by the West Branch Fire Station.
Over 100 exhibitors throughout the Hoover Park and downtown Main Street will give everyone the opportunity to find many treasures, as well as watching performances from Rage Theatrics, Honest Abe Lincoln and the Civil War Encampment.
Don’t forget to go up to the Hooverball courts to watch the fast paced 25th Annual Hooverball National Championship!
We have loads of wonderful FREE entertainment throughout the day on Saturday. A few to mention are the Iowa Military Veterans Band playing from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; “Tonic Sol-Fa” will perform from 6:30 to 7:30; and the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band will put on a concert at 8:30 to 9:30 and also play live music choreographed to the laser light show and fireworks display from 9:30 to 10.
These performances will be at the main stage in front of the Hoover Library so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy!
We have much more FREE activities and entertainment not mentioned in this article and there are many firsts this year so please watch for all advertising and signage.
Make sure you get a schedule of events which you can get by calling 319-643-5327 or coming into our office at 302 Parkside Drive and come home to West Branch Aug. 3rd and 4th! |
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