Nodaway

The Hopkins Picnic, held in Hopkins, Missouri has become the largest celebration in Nodaway County and is a tradition extending over one hundred years. Hopkins was only sixteen years old when the first picnic began with a fireworks display on July 4th 1882. The next picnic wouldn't be until 1888 and was suspended again during WWI. After WWI the picnic became known as "Hopkins Jubilee" with the name changing to the Hopkins Picnic in 1924. The tradition almost died out during the Great Depression and was again put on hold during WWII.

 

Hopkins 100th Picnic was held in 1988 from July 6-9th and feautured a pork barbeque meal, a classic car show, bike tour, pig race, tug of war, Cribbage tournament and a special Centennial Parade. The 100th Picnic marked a signigicant historical landmark in the town's history. Hopkins Picnic is still held every year, during the second week in July.