Plymouth Park Board approves 6-year Blueberry Festival agreement

The Plymouth Park Board has approved a new six-year lease agreement with the Marshall County Blueberry Festival, securing the Labor Day weekend tradition at Centennial Park through 2031.

The contract, approved Monday night, covers the festival's use of the park from 2026 through 2031 and includes updates to rental fees and operational details.

The agreement leases the majority of Centennial Park to the festival, including the Bill Nixon Field seating area for the fireworks show, the Young Amphitheater for entertainment programming, select park equipment, and 80% of the Chicken Coop building

The festival receives staged access to the property. The setup period is from 8 a.m. Friday through noon, Thursday before Labor Day weekend, one week of preparation. The Festival has exclusive use from noon on Wednesday through 11 p.m. on Monday of Labor Day weekend, and cleanup must be completed by 11 p.m. on the Thursday following Labor Day

Rental fees will increase incrementally over the six years:

• 2026-2027: $33,000 annually
• 2028-2029: $34,000 annually
• 2030-2031: $35,000 annually

The festival will also pay $15 per hour for any park staff assistance with preparation or restoration work.

Additionally, the festival must reimburse the park for all electrical service costs during the event period. The contract stipulates that the carnival must generate its own electricity rather than using the park's electrical service.

The Marshall County Blueberry Festival must provide proof of $5 million in insurance coverage to the city by June 1 each year. The festival also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless both the park and the city from all liabilities.

Under the agreement, the festival will submit an annual financial statement to the park board no later than March 31 each year.