Art in the Park

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!

2023 Pufferbilly Days
Bags Tournament

On Story Street between 8^th and 9^th 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.

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Click for Sponsor information

2023 Pufferbilly Days 3x3 Basketball Tournament

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

• Tournament is open to incoming 6th through adults.

• Teams of up to 4 players will be separated into division based on oldest player

• 6th-8th / 9th-10th / 11th-12th / Open – Male and Female divisions.

• Age divisions may be combined if necessary to allow a 3-game minimum for all teams.

FIBA 3x3 Rules will be used FIBA-3x3-Basketball-Rules-Short.pdf (fiba3x3.com) with the

following exceptions:

• Clock will not stop during dead ball situations.

• Games will be 20 minutes in length or first team to 21 points.

• The first team to score in overtime wins the game.

• No shot clock is used. If a team is not sufficiently trying to attack the basket, the officials shall give them a warning by counting the last 5 seconds.

• Penalty situations are not applicable. All fouls are followed by check-ball, except those in act of shooting, technical fouls and unsportsmanlike fouls.

Email: boonebballclub@gmail.com with any questions

2023 Pufferbilly Days
Backyard BBQ Cook-off

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

2023 Sponsor:

Click for Sponsor information

The Pufferbilly Days beer garden on 8th Street will be open
Friday from 5PM - Midnight
& Saturday from 11AM - Midnight

Wristbands are required for purchase, with tickets available near the beer tent.

2023 Sponsors:

2023 Pufferbilly Days

Bingo

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.

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Click for more information

225 10th Street

The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates freight and passenger excursions in Boone County, Iowa.

Boone History Center

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.

2023 Pufferbilly Days
Classic Car Show

Click on image to display larger version

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.

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Click for Sponsor information

Hosted by the Tall Corn Car Club

Join us in the Boone High School Gymnasium

Come together for a community - wide worship service along with pancakes thanks to

Everyone welcome and encouraged to attend- (plus it’s all FREE!)

2023 Sponsors:

Fortress Construction

FREE LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY & SATURDAY

TGIF Block Party starts at 5 PM in the Green Space

Opening Ceremony @ 6 PM in the Green Space

Click on image to display larger version

Community Dedication Award

2023 George and Mary Maybee Volunteer Award

Classic Car Show

Essay Contest Readings

90's Costume Contest

Bingo

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Miles Morgan on stage from 3 - 5 pm

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.

On Saturday night,

BLESSID UNION OF SOULS!

STARTING AT 7:00PM ON THE MAIN STAGE

Check out the VIP tickets for the show

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Mid Iowa Anesthesia Click for Sponsor information

2023 Pufferbilly Days
Food Court

Join us downtown Boone

Friday, August 4, 2023 Opening at 5 PM

Saturday. August 5, 2023 Opening at 10:30 AM

Click on image to display larger version

Grab a variety of options from new and well loved food trucks!

Food Trucks to date are:

Aston Concessions
Es Tas
Fareway Brat Stand
Funnel Cakes
Happi Lao Foods
Kona Ice (Baker Ice)
Weinie Wonderland

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Click for Sponsor information

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
• Contribute a diverse and interesting food/drink/dessert menu to the festival.
• Set pricing in competitive range with other vendors.
• Supply your proposed menu with your application.
o Only approved menu items may be served at the festival.
o Vendors are prohibited from selling beer, wine, brats, or hot dogs.
• City of Boone Mobile Food Vendor Permit on file in the current calendar year.
• Provide a current Sales Tax Permit Number on the application as well as proof of
insurance.
• Be aware of Iowa State Regulations governing off-premise sales.
• Maintain a clean space during and following the festival. Any trash or grease buckets
left behind will result in loss of future vendor opportunities. It is the vendor’s
responsibility to provide a clean working environment. Grease may NOT be dumped
in the street or storm sewers.

Pufferbilly Days Steering Committee Announces 2023 Grand Marshal

Eldon and Ann Hutcheson

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.

2023 Sponsors:

Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace

Click for more information

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.

2023 Pufferbilly Days

Memorabilia Booth

8th and Story Street

“Throwbacks on the Tracks”

2023 Collectors tees, tanks, hats, buttons, stickers, and koozies will be available

at the downtown Memorabilia booth during the festival. 

Click on image to display larger version

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Click for Sponsor information

Click for Sponsor information

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 Pufferbilly Days
Mud Volleyball

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)

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Click for Sponsor information

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!

2023 Sponsors:

Darby Construction - Click for Sponsor information

2023 Pufferbilly Days
Friday, August 4, 2023
Opening Ceremony @ 6 PM in the Green Space

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!

Don't miss out on this favored Pufferbilly Days tradition!

Saturday, August 5, 2023 starting at 9:30 AM.

Registration for bands and floats are OPEN!

Parade Route:
Starting at DMACC, west on Hancock Drive. 
North on Story Street. 
West on 7th Street, ending near Boone High School. ** NOTE STREET CHANGE**

Pufferbilly Days Parade Policies

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.

Photo Contest Flier

Pufferbilly Days
2023 Photo Contest
Participation Details

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.

Photo Classes

• Animals

• Black & White

• People

• Places

• Plants

• Trains, Planes & Automobiles

Awards

Best in Show

People’s Choice

1^st 2^nd 3^rd Place Ribbons in each photo class for each age division

1^st 2^nd 3^rd Place Overall in each age division

Participation Details

Rules

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.

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Click for Sponsor information

Thanks to all of the local photographers who participated in the 2022 contest, sponsored by the Boone County Hospital & Clinics!

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!

Rail Explorers

123 10^th Street

Click for more information

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.

Back for Pufferbilly 2023!

Pufferbilly’s Spelling Bee will be m.a.g.n.a.n.i.m.o.u.s.!

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

Click for Sponsor information

Click for Sponsor information

2023 Pufferbilly Days
Spike Driving Contest

Saturday, August 5, 2023
Starting @1:00 PM

On Story Street between 10^th and 11^th Streets

Sign up day of event

First, Second and Third places in both the armature and professional categories win Train tickets!

Click for Sponsor information

Can Chad Stecker defend his title?!

2023 Sponsors:

2023 Boone Tennis Pufferbilly Tournament

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+)

• Players can enter both a singles and doubles category.

• The format will be "Fast Four". Best of three sets, with the first two being the first to four (4) games, no tiebreaker. If a third set is needed it will be a seven (7) point tie breaker.

• Cost is $12 per category. Each player is guaranteed two (2) matches!

• Payment must be made by credit or debit card. Upon submitting your entry, you will get a link to payment.

• All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m.. on Thursday, August 3. Draws will be released on Saturday morning via Sporting Boone.

• Please contact Jed Hammen with any questions at jhammen@boone.k12.ia.us

2023 Sponsors:

Click for Sponsor information

2023 Pufferbilly Days Model Train Show & Swap Meet

Click for Sponsor information

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.

Click on image to display larger version

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.

• Location: Pufferbilly Day is celebrated in the downtown business district. The Train Collectors Swap Meet will be located at the Boone County Fairgrounds Commercial Building, 1601 Industrial Park Rd, Boone IA, 50036. Other festival activities will be taking place nearby with food vendors located in the area to accommodate vendors and customers.

• Hours of Operation: Vendors may set up on Friday between 11-7pm or Saturday starting at 7am. Show hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday. Vendors MUST remain open for the duration of set hours. Vendors are responsible for putting up their own tables during setup, then cleaning up their area, returning their tables, and vacating the building by 6:00 pm on Sunday.

• Parking: Parking is free and available immediately outside the Commercial Building on both hard and grass surfaces.

• Booths: Pricing is $20 for an 8’ table. Table availability is limited and tables will be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis. Vendors are welcome to bring their own tables, shelving, and displays.

• Restrooms are available and the building is climate controlled.

• Merchandise: Vendors are prohibited from selling food and beverages. The Steering Committee reserves the right to disallow the selling or display of offensive/inappropriate material at its discretion.

• Tax ID: Vendors are expected to provide a valid Tax ID number on the application. Vendors must also comply with sales tax obligations and reporting requirements.

• Deadlines: Priority registration must be postmarked by June 1st, 2023. Registrations postmarked after that date must include a $25 late fee, totaling the registration to $45. No registrations will be accepted after July 15th, 2023. An email confirmation with your booth assignment, map, and setup details will be sent to the email address listed on the form.

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!

Sponsored By:

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

Come and ride the Trolley this Pufferbilly weekend.

Trolley Schedule and Pricing

• Ride to Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad depot and museum and return

• Most Saturdays from Memorial Day Weekend through October 31

• Trolley operates from 10:00 AM through 4:00 PM

• Tickets are $2 for adults – children free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult

• Tickets are available for purchase from the motorman on board the trolley

• Tickets do not include museum admission

• Due to the age and history of this car, it is not ADA accessible

For more information click here.

Pufferbilly Days is coming up and we want you to join in the fun!
Click on this link to see how:

It's August- we bet it will be HOT! Let's beat the heat with a FREE waterpark for ALL ages- yes, we're looking at you 🙂 

• 18' Waterslide
• 2-person Giant Slip n' Slide (race your friends!)
• Waterpark Obstacle Course 
• Water bounce house for the younger kiddos
• Come and dunk your favorite teachers at the dunk tank! 

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)