About This Festival

Marshall County Blueberry Festival Overview

Area Surrounding the Event

The Marshall County Blueberry Festival is located in Centennial Park, Plymouth, Indiana, which is part of North Central Indiana. The park offers a beautiful setting for a family-friendly event, with ample space for various activities and entertainment. The festival is easily accessible, with designated parking at Plymouth High School that includes a free round-trip tram service to and from the festival grounds. The park is handicap accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities.

Vibe of the Event

The Marshall County Blueberry Festival is a vibrant celebration that attracts thousands of visitors each year. It boasts a lively atmosphere filled with a variety of activities, entertainment stages, delicious food options, and a wide range of vendors selling everything from craft items to local goods. The event is known for its community spirit, as it provides a significant platform for local not-for-profit organizations to raise funds.

History and Founding

The festival was first organized in 1966 by the Plymouth Jaycees as part of Indiana's sesquicentennial celebration. Given Marshall County's significant contribution to Indiana's blueberry crop, the event was named the Marshall County Blueberry Festival. Over the years, it has grown into one of the Midwest's premier events and has been recognized as a "Top 100 Event" in North America by the American Business Association.

Activities and Events

Here is a list of some of the activities and events you can expect at the festival:

  • Craft and Commercial Booths: Explore numerous stalls offering unique craft items, jewelry, yard ornaments, and more.
  • Entertainment Stages: Enjoy live performances across multiple stages, complemented by food options like steak tips and blueberry ice cream.
  • Sports and Competitions: Participate in or watch sports events like softball, volleyball, pickleball tournaments, and a garden tractor pull.
  • Car Show: A must-visit for car enthusiasts, now scheduled on Saturday.
  • Carnival: A fun-filled area for kids, open from Thursday evening through Monday.
  • Balloon Glow and Fireworks: Experience the magical balloon glow on Sunday night followed by an impressive fireworks display.
  • Parade: Join the Blueberry Labor Day Parade and Stomp on Monday morning.
  • Food and Beverages: Savor local cuisine and enjoy cold beverages throughout the festival grounds.

Rough Schedule

  • Thursday, August 28: Vendors are open from 5 PM to 9 PM, though no tram service is available.
  • Friday, August 29: Festival hours are from 12 PM to 9 PM.
  • Saturday and Sunday, August 30 & 31: Hours extend from 9 AM to 9 PM, featuring a Car Show on Saturday.
  • Monday, September 1 (Labor Day): Festival hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM, with the Blueberry Labor Day Parade and Stomp in the morning.

Volunteering and Support

Volunteers are integral to the festival's success, and there are opportunities to contribute to the event. The festival also partners with local sponsors, such as Surf Internet, which supports the community by providing services and promoting awareness during the event.