Celebrating the railroad history of Boone, Iowa since 1976
Three days of non-stop fun, entertainment, & family friendly activities!
Please check back in shortly for more information!
If you’re interested in getting involved, becoming a sponsor, gathering event details, or media inquiries, please contact the Event Director at events@boonecountychamber.com.
Pufferbilly Days™ is led by a Steering Committee of volunteer community members who work year-round to plan elements of the festival. If you are interested in learning how to join the Steering Committee, contact events@boonecountychamber.com.
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Starting in downtown Boone on Story Street.
Pufferbilly Days is THROWING BACK ON THE TRACKS WITH A 90’S THEME THIS YEAR! Bring your families to Boone on August 5 and enjoy a 5K or 10K run beginning and ending downtown. Stick around for the parade, food court, family friendly activities, live music, and much much more!
The run will go west on 6th street, south on Greene Street from 6th, take a few turns at 1st, Carroll, 2nd, and Monona, then head through the beautiful city cemetery. We will continue south and make a short loop through Herman Park before returning uptown.
10K runners will also enjoy a run south down Division Street, east on a beautiful Park Avenue, and a quick loop through our famous McHose City Park. You will get to run the last few blocks on Story Street so the parade watchers can cheer you on!!Come and see what Pufferbilly Days in Boone has to offer!
NOTE: You must be able to complete the race by 9:00 due to the parade starting at 9:30. MAKE SURE YOU CLICK ON “AGE-BASED PRICING” FOR KIDS 17 AND UNDER!!
We will donate $5 of each registration to the Boone Youth Running Club–help us encourage and support running in our community!
Call is OPEN for handcrafted artists and designers!
For years, Art in the Park has served the whole family with Handcrafted Art Fair
+ FREE Live Music + Kid’s Corner + Food Trucks + Vintage & Antique + The Market! +
~NEW THIS YEAR~ A Pufferbilly Summer BBQ Contest! Come taste the best in BBQ!!
(BBQ Cook Off – Registration Form)
Come, eat and vote!
On Story Street between 8th and 9th Streets Look for the Scorers Table on the west side
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Registration: 11:00 AM – Noon
Start Time: 12-12:30 PM
$30.00 Per Team
Early registration is only good to the first 20 teams
Click for Early Registration Form
or
Click to print and fill out form and bring to the tournament
The tournament will be Saturday, August 5, start time is 12-12:30 giving time for parade to finish. Please complete the form below and bring your $30 per team payment to registration between 11am-Noon to the scorers table on the west side of Story between 8th and 9th street.
32 team max Early registration is only good to the first 20 teams to allow teams to register day of. If you do not receive a notification that you are registered you will want to be early to the event to ensure you are signed up.
Play will start at approximately 12:30 or whenever the bracket is ready. This is a 32 team double elimination tournament. Cancellation scoring will be used. Bags will be provided.
Type of play will be first to 21 or over, best 2 out of 3 games for the winners bracket and championship rounds. Championship rounds are games played to directly decide 1st-3rd place. The consolation bracket play will be one game with the winner advancing until bracket 55 and on. The consolation bracket will be best 2 out of 3 games for brackets 55 and on until each remaining team is eliminated. Registration fees will be paid out with the top 3 teams 50/25/15. Fill out google link for early registration.
Contact Ray Lemke with any questions at 515-230-6473.
Sunday, August 6th @ 9am @ Boone High School
Admission price $5 per person – spectators & players
Registration closes at 11:59pm on August 4th.
All teams/divisions should arrive by 9am on the 6th for instructions and for schedule details with games to start shortly after.
Prizes for top team in each division.
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/vfN3CrVU1ufsE2rY6
Tournament Rules
FIBA 3×3 Rules will be used FIBA-3×3-Basketball-Rules-Short.pdf (fiba3x3.com) with the following exceptions:
Email: boonebballclub@gmail.com with any questions
BBQ Cook Off – Registration Form
Pufferbilly Days Backyard BBQ Cook-off and Art in the Park!
Sunday, August 6th 2023
McHose Park 1215 Frances Mason Dr. Boone, IA 50036
Judging: Judging will be blind with an unidentifiable container. KCBS criteria will be recognized. 5 local enthusiast judges will be trained although uncertified.
Judges decisions are FINAL.
Rules: All meat categories may be prepped outside of the competition but must be cooked on site the day of the event. No boiled or fried meats will be accepted. All Pufferbilly Days Backyard BBQ Cook-off contestants are responsible for observing accepted and prudent temperature and sanitary requirements. Contestants can’t sell samples to the general public.
Awards: Cash prizes for Grand Champion $250 – 1st Place $150 – 2nd Place $50 for each category. People’s Choice excluded from Grand Champion.
*Steal The Show Side: is an exciting new category for individuals outside of the BBQ Meats world to compete. Anything goes from potato salad to pie and everything in between. If your friends and family love it, ENTER IT! Steal the show side may be prepped prior, however final assembly or cooking must happen on site the day of the event. Reminder – All Pufferbilly Days Backyard BBQ Cook-off contestants are responsible for observing accepted and prudent temperature and sanitary requirements.
**People’s Choice-Pork Loin: Pork loin will be distributed the morning of upon arrival. Flair and Flavor are encouraged! The public will participate in sampling and voting via ticket.
Turn In times:
8a – Registration and Pork Loin Pick Up
12p – People’s Choice Pork Loin
1p – Steal the Show Sides
1:30p – Chicken
2p- Ribs
2:30p – Beef
3:30 – Awards
Open Friday from 5PM – Midnight & Saturday from 11AM – Midnight
Hosted by the Ogden Lions Club At Veterans Park under the tent
Friday, August 4, 2023 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 5, 2023 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
225 10th Street
The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates freight and passenger excursions in Boone County, Iowa.
602 Story Street
The Boone History Center, previously known as the Champlin Memorial Masonic Temple, is a historic building in Boone, Iowa. Constructed in 1907 as the Champlin Memorial Masonic Temple, the building housed Mt. Olive Lodge No. 79 until 1990. It now houses the Boone County Historical Society.
Friday, August 4 at 5PM on Story Street between 7th and 9th street.
No fee to enter, no advanced registration needed.
To participate, Pull in on 7th Street heading north on Story Street,
Friday after 4PM and look for the check-in tent.
Come together for a community – wide worship service along with pancakes thanks to
Everyone welcome and encouraged to attend- (plus it’s all FREE!)
TGIF Block Party starts at 5 PM in the Green Space
Opening Ceremony @ 6 PM in the Green Space
Community Dedication Award
2023 George and Mary Maybee Volunteer Award
Classic Car Show
Essay Contest Readings
90’s Costume Contest
Bingo
Miles Morgan is a singer-songwriter hailing from Ames, IA. With a writing style bridging folk and pop rock, he’s been described as “acoustic pop with a kiss of country,” a phrase he loves and includes proudly in his bio. Miles is supported by his incredible wife, who lends her beautiful voice upon request, and their three amazing children.
STARTING AT 7:00PM ON THE MAIN STAGE
Check out the VIP tickets for the show
Friday, August 4, 2023 Opening at 5 PM
Saturday. August 5, 2023 Opening at 10:30 AM
Food Trucks to date are:
Aston Concessions
Es Tas
Fareway Brat Stand
Funnel Cakes
Happi Lao Foods
Kona Ice (Baker Ice)
Weinie Wonderland
Do you have what it takes to be a Pufferbilly Food Vendor? Pull up our Food Vendor Application form to find out more.
VENDOR REQUIREMENTS
The Pufferbilly Days™ Steering Committee and the Boone County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the naming of the 2023 Pufferbilly Days™ festival grand marshal, Eldon and Ann Hutcheson.
We are honored to celebrate their decades of service in the Boone area (and we get to stay on theme as, for those who went to Boone High will remember, “the Hutch” was BHS’s Principal in the 90’s
Take the stage and pick your song! Klassic Karaoke is back and ready to entertain Downtown Boone!
Check it out on Saturday, August 5 at the Greenspace at 8th & Story Streets from 1-3 p.m..
Participation is free and available onsite.
Since the 1970’s, the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace has been a staple in Boone. It holds an enormous amount of history and information about the 34th First Lady of the United States.
8th and Story Street
2023 Collectors tees, tanks, hats, buttons, stickers, and koozies will be available
at the downtown Memorabilia booth during the festival.
Congratulations to the following 2022 Motorcycle Show Winners:
Antique – John Augustine
Classic – RC Adams
American Stock – David Sherd
American Mild Custom – Eric Sharp
American Touring – Sara Sharp
Soft Tail – Mark Hiatt
Trike – Paul Olson
Sport Bike – Brodie Bock
Barn Fine – Steve Miller
Bobber – Wyatt Sharp
Radical – Kyle Laertheman
Mini Bike – RC Adams
Metric Stock – John Russell
Metric Custom – Jason Willins
Sportster – Missy Harkin
Best of Pufferbilly – Missy Harkin
2023 Mud Volleyball Registration
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023
CO-ED
DOUBLE ELIMINATION
$100 TEAM ENTRY
FIRST 32 REGISTERED & PAID TEAMS WILL PLAY. ROSTER & WAIVER DUE ONSITE BEFORE PLAY BEGINS.
Boone County Fairgrounds 1601 Industrial Park Road (behind Brown Electric)
It’s the SECOND ANNUAL Mullet & Mustache contest!
Whether you’ve been growing yours out for years or are feeling inspired to go for something new, showcase your mullet or mustache (or both) at our contest! No pre-registration required. Show up and SHOW OFF!
Friday, August 4, 2023
Kick off the 46th Pufferbilly Days festival
Featuring Color Guard, live music, the presentation of the City of Boone’s Community Dedication Award, the presentation of the Boone County Chamber’s George & Mary Maybee Pufferbilly Volunteer Award!
Saturday, August 5, 2023 starting at 9:30 AM.
Registration for bands and floats are OPEN!
Starting at DMACC, west on Hancock Drive.
North on Story Street.
West on 7th Street, ending near Boone High School. ** NOTE STREET CHANGE**
All entries are subject to the approval of the parade committee with support from the Pufferbilly Days Steering Committee. Decisions are final.
THEME
The 2023 Pufferbilly Days theme is “Throwbacks on the Tracks- I Love the 90’s”
ENTRY TYPES
Marching Units – These entries are open to any unit marching on foot and can be something any creative group can form. The parade must be kept moving to not create large gaps along the route, so a routine that keeps the group moving is necessary.
Floats – Judging scores will be decided by combining the scores from three areas:
Creative use of theme – crowd appeal, use of new and innovative ideas
Construction – quality of workmanship, use of materials
Details – animation, overall creativity, amount of work involved
Politicians – All political entries should reach out to the Parade Director for further instruction. Please call 515-230-0977 or expect a phone call upon receipt of your application.
RESTRICTIONS
For safety purposes, nothing is to be thrown from moving vehicles. Walkers are permitted to hand out candy or novelty giveaways.
Do NOT hand out brochures, coupons, or other paper items, as they are often left behind as litter. Groups whose handouts are found as litter after the parade will be banned from future parade participation.
The parade will be limited to 100 entries.
Entrants with animal units are expected to clean up after their animals in the parade lineup area and throughout the parade route. Please bring your own pooper-scooper!
Company vehicles are not allowed in the parade unless they are pulling a float or are decorated with emphasis on the parade theme.
PARADE LINEUP INSTRUCTIONS
In mid-July, all approved entries will receive detailed instructions for the parade lineup, including the number in the parade and what time to line up based on their assigned number.
DEADLINE
All entries postmarked after July 15 must include a $15 late fee, totaling the entry total to $35.
Bring your dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, groundhogs, bearded dragons and any other pet out for the annual Puffer Pet show!
Sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus.
Enter the Contest
Photo Contest – Registration Form
Entry Deadline –July 28, 2023
Submit physical photos in person or via mail to the Boone County Chamber of Commerce, 903 Story Street.
Photos will be displayed during the 2023 festival, from August 4-5, at various downtown retailers.
Entries will not be returned by mail. If not picked up by October 2, 2023, entries become physical property of Pufferbilly Days.
Although all entries will be handled with care, Pufferbilly Days is not responsible for loss/damage to entries.
• Animals
• Black & White
• People
• Places
• Plants
• Trains, Planes & Automobiles
Best in Show
People’s Choice
1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbons in each photo class for each age division
1st 2nd 3rd Place Overall in each age division
1. There are three age divisions for participants: Adult (ages 19+), Teen (ages 13-18), and Youth (ages 7-12).
2. All photographs must be mounted on an 11” by 14” foam core or gator board that is at least 1/8” thick due to the heat and humidity of August in Iowa. The photographs may be any size up to 11” by 14”.
3. There should be no hooks or wires attached. Do NOT cover photos with acetate or glass or attach any material other than labels to the back.
4. Photographer’s name and picture title should NOT appear on the front of the entry.
5. Complete the attached tag for each of your entries. Tags should be affixed to the back of your mounted photo in the upper right corner.
6. Photos of people, including photographers, standing on railroad tracks or in the right of way will be rejected from participation in the contest.
7. Photographs previously entered at the Pufferbilly Days™ Photo Contest are not eligible for entry.
8. The Pufferbilly Days™ Steering Committee reserves the right to reproduce in any form any of the work submitted.
9. Limit of six photo entries per person per year.
10. Prints are not to be removed from display during the festival. They may be picked up after the event from the Boone County Chamber of Commerce, 903 Story Street.
11. A digital copy of each entry must be sent to events@boonecountychamber.com
The contest is open to all photography enthusiasts! All entries will be judged and displayed.
View the digital book of photos submitted for the contest by clicking here.
The printable version is available by clicking here.
Thanks to Christopher Bennett, event chair, for putting together the 2022 photo books!
123 10th Street
Take a tour with Rail Explorers and experience the magic of the railroad like never before! Ride the rails on our pedal-powered ‘Rail Explorers’ – a unique activity suitable for everyone.
Pufferbilly Days started 46 years ago as a retail event to promote Boone’s downtown! This year, check out the unique stores and eateries that make downtown Boone a place to go all year round. Of course, during Puffer weekend, they’ll have special sales and more. Watch for exciting details to come.
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Starting @1:00 PM
On Story Street between 10th and 11th Streets
Sign up day of event
First, Second and Third places in both the armature and professional categories win Train tickets!
Click Here To Enter 2023 Pufferbilly Tennis Tournament
Boone Tennis is holding its First Annual Pufferbilly Tennis Tournament at McHose Park Tennis Courts on Sunday, August 6, 2023 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
There will be four age divisions in both a men’s and women’s bracket:
Middle School (in middle school fall of ’23)
High School (in high school fall of ’23)
Post High School (through age 30)
Post High School (age 31+)
Registration Closed
Stop at the Cook’s Snack Shack
when you are at the Train Show & Swap Meet.
They will be serving from inside the Fairgrounds building.
VENDOR INFORMATION
You are invited to be a part of the annual Pufferbilly Days
Train Collectors Swap Meet on Saturday, August 5th, and Sunday, August 6th, 2023 in Boone, Iowa.
There are no refunds after your application has been selected for participation in the event. Register early – spaces are limited, and tables will go fast!
We look forward to hosting you at the event!
Caboose Stop Hobbies – Cedar Falls, IA
Iowa Railroad Historical Society – Boone, IA
Kate Shelly Chapter of the NMRA – Boone, IA
Mary & Co Hair Salon – Boone, IA
Sidetrack Hobby – Boone, IA
The Hobby Shop – Ames, IA
Union Pacific Employee Club # 76 – Boone, IA
Make sure the kids are wearing their flip flops and clothes that can get wet!
(Located at 8th and Allen in front of the Boone Fire Station)
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Starting in downtown Boone on Story Street.
Pufferbilly Days is THROWING BACK ON THE TRACKS WITH A 90’S THEME THIS YEAR! Bring your families to Boone on August 5 and enjoy a 5K or 10K run beginning and ending downtown. Stick around for the parade, food court, family friendly activities, live music, and much much more!
The run will go west on 6th street, south on Greene Street from 6th, take a few turns at 1st, Carroll, 2nd, and Monona, then head through the beautiful city cemetery. We will continue south and make a short loop through Herman Park before returning uptown.
10K runners will also enjoy a run south down Division Street, east on a beautiful Park Avenue, and a quick loop through our famous McHose City Park. You will get to run the last few blocks on Story Street so the parade watchers can cheer you on!!Come and see what Pufferbilly Days in Boone has to offer!
NOTE: You must be able to complete the race by 9:00 due to the parade starting at 9:30. MAKE SURE YOU CLICK ON “AGE-BASED PRICING” FOR KIDS 17 AND UNDER!!
We will donate $5 of each registration to the Boone Youth Running Club–help us encourage and support running in our community!
Call is OPEN for handcrafted artists and designers!
For years, Art in the Park has served the whole family with Handcrafted Art Fair
+ FREE Live Music + Kid’s Corner + Food Trucks + Vintage & Antique + The Market! +
~NEW THIS YEAR~ A Pufferbilly Summer BBQ Contest! Come taste the best in BBQ!!
(BBQ Cook Off – Registration Form)
Come, eat and vote!
On Story Street between 8th and 9th Streets Look for the Scorers Table on the west side
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Registration: 11:00 AM – Noon
Start Time: 12-12:30 PM
$30.00 Per Team
Early registration is only good to the first 20 teams
Click for Early Registration Form
or
Click to print and fill out form and bring to the tournament
The tournament will be Saturday, August 5, start time is 12-12:30 giving time for parade to finish. Please complete the form below and bring your $30 per team payment to registration between 11am-Noon to the scorers table on the west side of Story between 8th and 9th street.
32 team max Early registration is only good to the first 20 teams to allow teams to register day of. If you do not receive a notification that you are registered you will want to be early to the event to ensure you are signed up.
Play will start at approximately 12:30 or whenever the bracket is ready. This is a 32 team double elimination tournament. Cancellation scoring will be used. Bags will be provided.
Type of play will be first to 21 or over, best 2 out of 3 games for the winners bracket and championship rounds. Championship rounds are games played to directly decide 1st-3rd place. The consolation bracket play will be one game with the winner advancing until bracket 55 and on. The consolation bracket will be best 2 out of 3 games for brackets 55 and on until each remaining team is eliminated. Registration fees will be paid out with the top 3 teams 50/25/15. Fill out google link for early registration.
Contact Ray Lemke with any questions at 515-230-6473.
Sunday, August 6th @ 9am @ Boone High School
Admission price $5 per person – spectators & players
Registration closes at 11:59pm on August 4th.
All teams/divisions should arrive by 9am on the 6th for instructions and for schedule details with games to start shortly after.
Prizes for top team in each division.
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/vfN3CrVU1ufsE2rY6
Tournament Rules
FIBA 3×3 Rules will be used FIBA-3×3-Basketball-Rules-Short.pdf (fiba3x3.com) with the following exceptions:
Email: boonebballclub@gmail.com with any questions
BBQ Cook Off – Registration Form
Pufferbilly Days Backyard BBQ Cook-off and Art in the Park!
Sunday, August 6th 2023
McHose Park 1215 Frances Mason Dr. Boone, IA 50036
Judging: Judging will be blind with an unidentifiable container. KCBS criteria will be recognized. 5 local enthusiast judges will be trained although uncertified.
Judges decisions are FINAL.
Rules: All meat categories may be prepped outside of the competition but must be cooked on site the day of the event. No boiled or fried meats will be accepted. All Pufferbilly Days Backyard BBQ Cook-off contestants are responsible for observing accepted and prudent temperature and sanitary requirements. Contestants can’t sell samples to the general public.
Awards: Cash prizes for Grand Champion $250 – 1st Place $150 – 2nd Place $50 for each category. People’s Choice excluded from Grand Champion.
*Steal The Show Side: is an exciting new category for individuals outside of the BBQ Meats world to compete. Anything goes from potato salad to pie and everything in between. If your friends and family love it, ENTER IT! Steal the show side may be prepped prior, however final assembly or cooking must happen on site the day of the event. Reminder – All Pufferbilly Days Backyard BBQ Cook-off contestants are responsible for observing accepted and prudent temperature and sanitary requirements.
**People’s Choice-Pork Loin: Pork loin will be distributed the morning of upon arrival. Flair and Flavor are encouraged! The public will participate in sampling and voting via ticket.
Turn In times:
8a – Registration and Pork Loin Pick Up
12p – People’s Choice Pork Loin
1p – Steal the Show Sides
1:30p – Chicken
2p- Ribs
2:30p – Beef
3:30 – Awards
Open Friday from 5PM – Midnight & Saturday from 11AM – Midnight
Hosted by the Ogden Lions Club At Veterans Park under the tent
Friday, August 4, 2023 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 5, 2023 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
225 10th Street
The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates freight and passenger excursions in Boone County, Iowa.
602 Story Street
The Boone History Center, previously known as the Champlin Memorial Masonic Temple, is a historic building in Boone, Iowa. Constructed in 1907 as the Champlin Memorial Masonic Temple, the building housed Mt. Olive Lodge No. 79 until 1990. It now houses the Boone County Historical Society.
Friday, August 4 at 5PM on Story Street between 7th and 9th street.
No fee to enter, no advanced registration needed.
To participate, Pull in on 7th Street heading north on Story Street,
Friday after 4PM and look for the check-in tent.
Come together for a community – wide worship service along with pancakes thanks to
Everyone welcome and encouraged to attend- (plus it’s all FREE!)
TGIF Block Party starts at 5 PM in the Green Space
Opening Ceremony @ 6 PM in the Green Space
Community Dedication Award
2023 George and Mary Maybee Volunteer Award
Classic Car Show
Essay Contest Readings
90’s Costume Contest
Bingo
Miles Morgan is a singer-songwriter hailing from Ames, IA. With a writing style bridging folk and pop rock, he’s been described as “acoustic pop with a kiss of country,” a phrase he loves and includes proudly in his bio. Miles is supported by his incredible wife, who lends her beautiful voice upon request, and their three amazing children.
STARTING AT 7:00PM ON THE MAIN STAGE
Check out the VIP tickets for the show
Friday, August 4, 2023 Opening at 5 PM
Saturday. August 5, 2023 Opening at 10:30 AM
Food Trucks to date are:
Aston Concessions
Es Tas
Fareway Brat Stand
Funnel Cakes
Happi Lao Foods
Kona Ice (Baker Ice)
Weinie Wonderland
Do you have what it takes to be a Pufferbilly Food Vendor? Pull up our Food Vendor Application form to find out more.
VENDOR REQUIREMENTS
The Pufferbilly Days™ Steering Committee and the Boone County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the naming of the 2023 Pufferbilly Days™ festival grand marshal, Eldon and Ann Hutcheson.
We are honored to celebrate their decades of service in the Boone area (and we get to stay on theme as, for those who went to Boone High will remember, “the Hutch” was BHS’s Principal in the 90’s
Take the stage and pick your song! Klassic Karaoke is back and ready to entertain Downtown Boone!
Check it out on Saturday, August 5 at the Greenspace at 8th & Story Streets from 1-3 p.m..
Participation is free and available onsite.
Since the 1970’s, the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace has been a staple in Boone. It holds an enormous amount of history and information about the 34th First Lady of the United States.
8th and Story Street
2023 Collectors tees, tanks, hats, buttons, stickers, and koozies will be available
at the downtown Memorabilia booth during the festival.
Congratulations to the following 2022 Motorcycle Show Winners:
Antique – John Augustine
Classic – RC Adams
American Stock – David Sherd
American Mild Custom – Eric Sharp
American Touring – Sara Sharp
Soft Tail – Mark Hiatt
Trike – Paul Olson
Sport Bike – Brodie Bock
Barn Fine – Steve Miller
Bobber – Wyatt Sharp
Radical – Kyle Laertheman
Mini Bike – RC Adams
Metric Stock – John Russell
Metric Custom – Jason Willins
Sportster – Missy Harkin
Best of Pufferbilly – Missy Harkin
2023 Mud Volleyball Registration
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023
CO-ED
DOUBLE ELIMINATION
$100 TEAM ENTRY
FIRST 32 REGISTERED & PAID TEAMS WILL PLAY. ROSTER & WAIVER DUE ONSITE BEFORE PLAY BEGINS.
Boone County Fairgrounds 1601 Industrial Park Road (behind Brown Electric)
It’s the SECOND ANNUAL Mullet & Mustache contest!
Whether you’ve been growing yours out for years or are feeling inspired to go for something new, showcase your mullet or mustache (or both) at our contest! No pre-registration required. Show up and SHOW OFF!
Friday, August 4, 2023
Kick off the 46th Pufferbilly Days festival
Featuring Color Guard, live music, the presentation of the City of Boone’s Community Dedication Award, the presentation of the Boone County Chamber’s George & Mary Maybee Pufferbilly Volunteer Award!
Saturday, August 5, 2023 starting at 9:30 AM.
Registration for bands and floats are OPEN!
Starting at DMACC, west on Hancock Drive.
North on Story Street.
West on 7th Street, ending near Boone High School. ** NOTE STREET CHANGE**
All entries are subject to the approval of the parade committee with support from the Pufferbilly Days Steering Committee. Decisions are final.
THEME
The 2023 Pufferbilly Days theme is “Throwbacks on the Tracks- I Love the 90’s”
ENTRY TYPES
Marching Units – These entries are open to any unit marching on foot and can be something any creative group can form. The parade must be kept moving to not create large gaps along the route, so a routine that keeps the group moving is necessary.
Floats – Judging scores will be decided by combining the scores from three areas:
Creative use of theme – crowd appeal, use of new and innovative ideas
Construction – quality of workmanship, use of materials
Details – animation, overall creativity, amount of work involved
Politicians – All political entries should reach out to the Parade Director for further instruction. Please call 515-230-0977 or expect a phone call upon receipt of your application.
RESTRICTIONS
For safety purposes, nothing is to be thrown from moving vehicles. Walkers are permitted to hand out candy or novelty giveaways.
Do NOT hand out brochures, coupons, or other paper items, as they are often left behind as litter. Groups whose handouts are found as litter after the parade will be banned from future parade participation.
The parade will be limited to 100 entries.
Entrants with animal units are expected to clean up after their animals in the parade lineup area and throughout the parade route. Please bring your own pooper-scooper!
Company vehicles are not allowed in the parade unless they are pulling a float or are decorated with emphasis on the parade theme.
PARADE LINEUP INSTRUCTIONS
In mid-July, all approved entries will receive detailed instructions for the parade lineup, including the number in the parade and what time to line up based on their assigned number.
DEADLINE
All entries postmarked after July 15 must include a $15 late fee, totaling the entry total to $35.
Bring your dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, groundhogs, bearded dragons and any other pet out for the annual Puffer Pet show!
Sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus.
Enter the Contest
Photo Contest – Registration Form
Entry Deadline –July 28, 2023
Submit physical photos in person or via mail to the Boone County Chamber of Commerce, 903 Story Street.
Photos will be displayed during the 2023 festival, from August 4-5, at various downtown retailers.
Entries will not be returned by mail. If not picked up by October 2, 2023, entries become physical property of Pufferbilly Days.
Although all entries will be handled with care, Pufferbilly Days is not responsible for loss/damage to entries.
• Animals
• Black & White
• People
• Places
• Plants
• Trains, Planes & Automobiles
Best in Show
People’s Choice
1st 2nd 3rd Place Ribbons in each photo class for each age division
1st 2nd 3rd Place Overall in each age division
1. There are three age divisions for participants: Adult (ages 19+), Teen (ages 13-18), and Youth (ages 7-12).
2. All photographs must be mounted on an 11” by 14” foam core or gator board that is at least 1/8” thick due to the heat and humidity of August in Iowa. The photographs may be any size up to 11” by 14”.
3. There should be no hooks or wires attached. Do NOT cover photos with acetate or glass or attach any material other than labels to the back.
4. Photographer’s name and picture title should NOT appear on the front of the entry.
5. Complete the attached tag for each of your entries. Tags should be affixed to the back of your mounted photo in the upper right corner.
6. Photos of people, including photographers, standing on railroad tracks or in the right of way will be rejected from participation in the contest.
7. Photographs previously entered at the Pufferbilly Days™ Photo Contest are not eligible for entry.
8. The Pufferbilly Days™ Steering Committee reserves the right to reproduce in any form any of the work submitted.
9. Limit of six photo entries per person per year.
10. Prints are not to be removed from display during the festival. They may be picked up after the event from the Boone County Chamber of Commerce, 903 Story Street.
11. A digital copy of each entry must be sent to events@boonecountychamber.com
The contest is open to all photography enthusiasts! All entries will be judged and displayed.
View the digital book of photos submitted for the contest by clicking here.
The printable version is available by clicking here.
Thanks to Christopher Bennett, event chair, for putting together the 2022 photo books!
123 10th Street
Take a tour with Rail Explorers and experience the magic of the railroad like never before! Ride the rails on our pedal-powered ‘Rail Explorers’ – a unique activity suitable for everyone.
Pufferbilly Days started 46 years ago as a retail event to promote Boone’s downtown! This year, check out the unique stores and eateries that make downtown Boone a place to go all year round. Of course, during Puffer weekend, they’ll have special sales and more. Watch for exciting details to come.
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Starting @1:00 PM
On Story Street between 10th and 11th Streets
Sign up day of event
First, Second and Third places in both the armature and professional categories win Train tickets!
Click Here To Enter 2023 Pufferbilly Tennis Tournament
Boone Tennis is holding its First Annual Pufferbilly Tennis Tournament at McHose Park Tennis Courts on Sunday, August 6, 2023 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
There will be four age divisions in both a men’s and women’s bracket:
Middle School (in middle school fall of ’23)
High School (in high school fall of ’23)
Post High School (through age 30)
Post High School (age 31+)
Registration Closed
Stop at the Cook’s Snack Shack
when you are at the Train Show & Swap Meet.
They will be serving from inside the Fairgrounds building.
VENDOR INFORMATION
You are invited to be a part of the annual Pufferbilly Days
Train Collectors Swap Meet on Saturday, August 5th, and Sunday, August 6th, 2023 in Boone, Iowa.
There are no refunds after your application has been selected for participation in the event. Register early – spaces are limited, and tables will go fast!
We look forward to hosting you at the event!
Caboose Stop Hobbies – Cedar Falls, IA
Iowa Railroad Historical Society – Boone, IA
Kate Shelly Chapter of the NMRA – Boone, IA
Mary & Co Hair Salon – Boone, IA
Sidetrack Hobby – Boone, IA
The Hobby Shop – Ames, IA
Union Pacific Employee Club # 76 – Boone, IA
Make sure the kids are wearing their flip flops and clothes that can get wet!
(Located at 8th and Allen in front of the Boone Fire Station)
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