As a local mom and West Branch resident I’m here to provide some tips on how to navigate all the family fun during Hoover’s Hometown Days! 
Saturday, August 6th is the full day of family fun so make your plans to visit West Branch then. I recommend that you start the day with the Mayor’s Parade at 10:00am and stick around to enjoy all the FREE bounce houses, inflatable games, giant bubble stations and a balloon artist that start immediately after the parade in Village Green.
Walk down the historic Main Street lined with food trucks, pop-up shops and unique vendors and enjoy a pony ride or visit the caricature artist and strolling magician. Stop for lunch and listen to live music in Heritage Square before you shop around at the charming small businesses (they even have a free bag-check so you don’t have to carry around your purchases while you enjoy the festival! Talk about a #momwin).
PSA for Parents: There’s excellent coffee and numerous beer gardens available too!
You can count on lots of family fun and plenty to Eat, Shop and Explore at Exit 254 in West Branch. Find a full schedule of events at hooverdays.org.
Mom to Mom: More Helpful Tips
Parking: Locals are encouraged to walk downtown for the festivities. Visitors can utilize street parking in every direction and the parking lots at the Enlow Building, Rummells Center, Beranek Park and Wapsi Park. A Park-and-Ride service will be available from Cubby Park (301 Scott Dr) from 9am-5pm — simply park your vehicle here and text the posted number to request a golf-cart ride to your festival destination. Once you’re downtown everything mentioned above is walkable!
Restrooms: Toddler moms have no fear… restrooms are near! Public restrooms are available within the Visitor’s Center, Rummells Center, Heritage Museum, Town Hall and Fire Station. Portable Restrooms are also placed throughout the festival area.
Baby Care: Changing stations and nursing rooms are available at Town Hall and in the Visitor’s Center until 5pm on Saturday.
First Aid: Available at the Fire Station.
Food Allergies: There are food vendors that offer vegan and gluten free options at this festival! Check out Beyla’s Food Truck and Bloom Food Truck if you have dietary limitations.
Pets: Dogs are welcome at this outdoor festival but must be on a leash at all times. Some businesses do not allow pets inside.
Connect with Hoover’s Hometown Days:
Website – hooverdays.org
Facebook – fb.com/HooversHometownDays
Instagram – @HooversHometownDays
This is a sponsored post. ICM was compensated for sharing this piece. However, we love connecting our readers with people and organizations that are doing good in our community, and we think you will find this information helpful and informative!
About the Sponsor:
West Branch Community Development Group is a non-profit volunteer-driven organization working through the combination of public, private, and commercial interests to strengthen the historic Main Street district in West Branch, Iowa, for the benefit of the community as a whole. They believe that West Branch will thrive with an eclectic mix of old and new as a desirable visitor’s destination and a place of hometown pride that shows in the vibrant downtown & unique offerings. They are proud to be accredited by Main Street Iowa and Main Street America. Learn more at mainstreetwestbranch.org.
