Hooverfest Celebrates Herbert Hoover on August 2, 2008

Date: July 18, 2008
Contact: Adam Prato, [phone]

WEST BRANCH, IOWA— Hooverfest, the annual celebration Herbert Hoover’s birth, takes place on Saturday, August 2 at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, just east of Iowa City at I-80, exit 254. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and stay all day.

Hoover remains the only Iowan elected to our nation’s presidency. He was born on August 10, 1874 in the cottage which is now a centerpiece of the site. He and his wife, Waterloo native Lou Henry Hoover are buried near his birthplace.

Hooverfest features free admission to all events and buildings, including the Hoover Presidential Library-Museum and the exhibit of Caroline Kennedy’s dolls, on loan from the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston.

New this year is a tribute to the service organizations and volunteers who give so much to improve our communities. Representatives will be on site all day and will be recognized prior to the nighttime fireworks.

Also, four new Hooverball courts are located adjacent to the Hoover National Historic Site, making the 21st annual National Championships close to all Hooverfest activities. While President Hoover’s physician invented the game to keep Hoover fit in the White House, the modern day version is much more physically demanding. Spectators are welcome. A registration fee is required for participation.

Daytime highlights feature arts-and-crafts and food vendors, historical crafters, and plenty of children’s activities, including fun from the Iowa Children’s Museum. The Yahoo Drummers, The 100s, and B.F. Burt & the Instigators, perform on the Hooverfest stage.

The evening event begins at 7:30 p.m. in the grassy loop area behind the library-museum. Joe Winters, chief meteorologist at KCRG-TV9 in Cedar Rapids, is the host.

For the first time in Hooverfest history, organizers will count each person in the loop area, donating $1.00 per person to local flood relief organizations.

Celebration Iowa Singers & Jazz Band start the night’s fun with an energetic performance, one of their last before heading to the Iowa State Fair. After brief tributes, patriotic music and fireworks mark a rousing finale to Hooverfest 2008.

There is something for everyone at Hooverfest. Come and be counted for flood relief donations, and savor the fun! Visit www.hooverassociation.org to learn more.

Hooverfest is produced with private donations by the Hoover Presidential Library Association, a nonprofit support group.