THE HISTORY OF HANK AND THE FESTIVAL
In 1966, the Plymouth Jaycees organized a Labor Day Celebration for Marshall County to observe Indiana's sesquicentennial. The celebration was a huge success, and a group of citizens decided to make it an annual event. Marshall County provided one-third of Indiana's Blueberry Crop at the time, so the Blueberry Festival was a fitting name. In the 1970s, the festival board was looking for a mascot. They asked the people of Marshall County to participate in a drawing contest to drum up ideas. The winner was Ed Miller, who had been the art teacher at Argos High School for 38 years. He designed Hank the Blueberry, who became an icon at the festival. You will still see Hank wandering around the festival every year.
CRAFT VENDORS
Hundreds of unique craft vendors set up for the Blueberry Festival every year. There is a little bit of everything. Pottery, wood crafts, metal artwork, and homemade soaps, to name a few. It's the perfect place to grab Christmas presents, birthday gifts, or that perfect piece of decor that’s been missing in your home.
FOR THE FOODIES
With over 100 food options to choose from, there is no way you’ll go home hungry. They have plenty of local food trucks with delicious menus and an assortment of your favorite festival foods. You can’t go to the Blueberry Festival without getting something blueberry-flavored to eat. The most famous food is the blueberry donuts. They always attract a huge line, and for good reason! They go perfectly with a bowl of blueberry ice cream.
EXCITING ACTIVITIES
Every year, over 20,000 people line the streets for the parade. Local high school bands, fire trucks, police units, classic cars, and antique tractors roll down the road. Be sure to wave to Miss Blueberry and her court. Outside of shopping in the vendors' market, the festival has a carnival full of exciting rides and games. They host a 3 on 3 basketball tournament for adults and youth. You should also check out the nightly entertainment on three different stages throughout the weekend.
OUT WITH A BANG
As a resident of Marshall County, my favorite part of the Blueberry Festival is the fireworks show. There is no better way to end your weekend than by laying your blanket out in the grass, snacking on some blueberry donuts and an elephant ear, and watching the hot air balloon launch, followed by the incredible fireworks show.
