Blueberry BIts

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 9:00 PM

Every Labor Day weekend, Plymouth turns into a berry-fueled wonderland —but how much do you really know about the Marshall County Blueberry Festival? Here are 10 of the strangest, funniest, and most jaw-dropping tidbits to chew on before you head to Centennial Park this weekend:

1️⃣ Hank the Blueberry—the big, smiling mascot—wasn’t invented by a marketing firm. He was born from a 1970s community drawing contest, created by a local art teacher. 👩‍🎨

2️⃣ The legendary blueberry donuts sell out so fast that by Sunday, folks line up at sunrise just to snag a dozen. Some people drive hours just for those donuts.

3️⃣ The whole thing began in 1966 as a “Picnic in the Park” celebrating Indiana’s 150th birthday—with a softball tournament, not blueberries.

4️⃣ At its peak, Marshall County grew about one-third of Indiana’s blueberry crop, which is how the festival got its fruity name.

5️⃣ Nearly 500,000 people pour into Plymouth over the four-day weekend—making this Indiana’s largest four-day festival. 🚶‍♀️ 🚶‍♂️

6️⃣ It’s been ranked a Top 100 Event in North America three different times, right up there with Mardi Gras and the Kentucky Derby.

7️⃣ The “Blueberry Stomp” is a race through town—5K, 15K, or a walk—while the smell of fresh blueberry treats floats through the air.

8️⃣ There’s also the Blueberry Splash, an open-water swim. Yes, you can literally swim, then eat pie afterward. 🏊‍♂️

9️⃣ With 300+ craft booths and 100+ food vendors, you’ll find everything from blueberry cheesecake to… blueberry chili. (Yes, it’s a thing!)

The weekend includes a parade, drone shows, and fireworks lighting up the sky—because nothing says “berry season” like ending with a bang.

So—did you know all that? This weekend, bring your sneakers, your sweet tooth, and maybe a lawn chair, because Plymouth is about to be deliciously ridiculous.

For even more fun facts, festival updates, and coverage all weekend long, follow WTCA’s GIANT FM Facebook Page!