54th Blueberry Fest scheduled for Sept. 4-7

The largest five-day festival in Indiana is coming to Marshall County Sept. 4-7.

“It was 53 years ago in 1966 when Indiana became 150 years old. Roger D. Branigin was governor and wanted each county in the state to celebrate this anniversary. Gov. Branigin appointed a person in each county to generate a celebration sometime during that year. Attorney George Stevens was appointed to do this task for Marshall County. Time was moving on and nothing was being done — so a couple of Pilot News reporters were talking one day and noted that fact and being the ambitious reporters that they were they then talked to Eleanor Boys Blank, who was president and publisher of the Pilot Company at that time.

“They stated hat something should be done. Mrs. Blank agreed then met with her nephew Mike Boys, who was secretary-treasurer of The Pilot Co. and assistant publisher, to discuss the possibility of The Pilot News sponsoring this celebration. Eleanor contacted George Stevens and asked if it was OK with him if a committee was formed to begin the festivities. He welcomed this idea,” explained Mike Boys in his 2019 article titled “History of the Blueberry Festival.”

The festival’s main objective is to provide quality family activities at little cost, and to provide a venue for the county’s various nonprofits to raise funds.

When Labor Day weekend comes around, people from all over the country travel to Plymouth to experience the Blueberry Festival. There are over 300 craft vendors from various parts of the country that sell their wares.

Visitors have 100 food booths to choose from. And don’t forget about the blueberry delights! People wait in line for the famous Blueberry donuts.

What would a festival be like without activities and events? The Blueberry Festival is packed everyday with softball, tennis, volleyball, arm wrestling, and other sporting events.

Many annual events take place during those five days including the Hoosier

Old Wheels Antique Car Show, the Blueberry Stomp, and of course the fireworks display.

For more information regarding the Blueberry Festival, head over to http:// blueberryfestival.org.