Here's what you need to know about this year's White Pigeon Days

WHITE PIGEON – The first of four consecutive weekends celebrating St. Joseph County communities begins Friday with White Pigeon Days.

The three-day celebration has been organized by a small team of volunteers that includes Bekah Wagaman. Here's what she had to say about the 2024 celebration.

What’s new at this year’s White Pigeon Days community festival?

“Well, the pie-in-the-face isn’t new this year but it’s something we started not too long ago. It’s $2 a pie and a great fundraiser, as proceeds go toward the fireworks show. There’s a piñata party and depending on the weather, there will be a hot-air balloon Saturday at the high school before the fireworks. They’re not doing rides or flights, but it’s a good opportunity to see a hot-air balloon up close.”

You were going to introduce a new event this year but had to pull the plug on it. What was it and why is it cancelled?

“There was supposed to be a hot dog-eating contest for anyone ages 16 or older. I think the format was who could eat 10 hot dogs the fastest. Anyhow, we had just one person sign up so we decided to not do it. I really thought some of the high school football players would have signed up. There was a cash prize for first place. Maybe next year.”

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What crowd-favorite attractions are returning this year?

“Well, speaking of hot dogs, the firefighters’ hot dog roast is back and it will be back where the Tasty Nut Shop once stood. They’ll also be doing the pancake breakfast Saturday morning. The car show is coming back Saturday. We’ve got lots of prizes for the general raffle and, of course, everybody’s favorite – fireworks at dusk Saturday at the high school.”

White Pigeon Days is synonymous with a spectacular parade featuring more firetrucks than any other parade in the county. Will that still be the case this year?

“Yes. There are about 200 participants in the parade, including plenty of fire trucks. It’s kind of unique because we let anyone participate and they can just show up in the staging area before the 7 o’clock start Friday night.”

What else would you like to share?

“White Pigeon Township Library is hosting its second ‘Summertime Tunes’ of the season. It’s at the little league softball field before the fireworks. (The Brenda Loomis Band performing.) Also, Home Depot will be here for an hour Saturday for its Kids Crafts event. We’ll have inflatables, the garden-tractor pulls will be here and we’re doing the baking contest again. There will be food vendors on South Kalamazoo Street, there’s live music and, really, just something for everyone.”

Who are White Pigeon’s Citizens of the Year?

“We have an honorary citizen of the year, Cindy Tippman. She passed away in March. She was on the White Pigeon Days Committee for years and on the school board for a long time. So, we’re going to honor her memory. Carol Hoopes and Leroy Chupp are our actual citizens of the year. They’ll be recognized before the parade.”

Is there a community worship service Sunday?

“Yes, at 11 o’clock at Wade Park. Participants are being encouraged to bring a picnic lunch for afterward.”

What does White Pigeon Days mean to the community?

“I didn’t grow up here but it’s impressive every year to see how important this festival is for generations of people. It represents community, there’s tradition, it’s enjoyed by people of all ages and it acknowledges our history. It’s great to see the community come out and celebrate White Pigeon.”

Where is a rundown of all the events?

“It’s on Facebook and on our webpage … it’s White Pigeon Community Association.”

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