July 13-15 An odd bird of a festival, but even more fun than the chicken dance. Previous years’ events include egg toss, rubber chicken chuck, hardboiled-egg-eating contest and all things chicken! July 20-21 A Kansas City Barbeque Society event with hundreds of entries topped off with balloon glow, fireworks, beer garden and live music. Seward Fourth of July Celebration July 4 For 140 years, this community has put on one of the top small-town celebrations in the nation. Designated “Nebraska’s Official 4th of July City” by Governor Exon in 1973. Germanfest, Syracuse July 14 In celebration of the town’s German heritage, there are “Viener” dog races, KinderFun, German-American singers and dancers, parade and RibFest. Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival, Omaha August 10-11 The name says it all. Enjoy Nebraskan wines and hot-air balloons while listening to an incredible lineup of live music. Fur Trade Days, Chadron July 11-15 A historic celebration of buckskinners, traders and Native Americans. Five days packed with events that pay tribute to the town’s important role in the fur trade. Madison County Fair and Rodeo, Madison July 10-15 Enjoy carnival rides, the excitement of the Midstates Championship Rodeo and a music lineup that will get you dancing. Oregon Trail Days. CURTIS BLUM AUG Kool-Aid Days, Hastings August 10-12 Kool-Aid was invented over 90 years ago by Edwin Perkins in Hastings. The town celebrates with three days of events, including Kool-Aid drinking contest, live music, fireworks and Kardboard Boat Races. Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island. Oregon Trail Days, Gering/Scottsbluff July 12-15 Experience the history of the Oregon Trail in a truly Western event with a chili cook-off, parades, concerts, street dances, food fairs and art shows. Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island August 24 -September 3 For 150 years, Nebraska has celebrated its culture, traditions, talent, products and people at the state fair. Competitions include livestock exhibition, handmade crafts and baked goods. Midwest Pirate Fest, Papillion August 25-26 Pirate activities for kids and adults, including a pirate-ship bounce house, artisan exhibits, live stage shows, and festival marketplace make for a well-rounded nautical adventure. 58 Visit Nebraska SEP Husker Football Season Opener, Lincoln September 1 There is no hotter ticket in Nebraska than the Huskers’ opening game at Memorial Stadium. Join nearly 90,000 fans in red and white as they kick off football season. JUL The Wayne Chicken Show, Wayne Riverfest: Red, White & Que, Bellevue Old West Balloon Fest, Scottsbluff Check website for dates Sunrise balloon launches and an evening balloon glow are the highlights of this festival, making for fantastic photos and leaving spectators’ spirits soaring. Find more information at theoldwestballoonfest.com. Junk Jaunt, Central Nebraska September 28-30 More than 500 vendors, mostly garage sales, participate in this event that spans about 40 communities. Tips for a good haul include starting early and bringing a trailer. AppleJack Festival, Nebraska City September 21-23 Apple pie, apple cider donuts, candy apples, apple fritters, apple salad and pretty much anything made from apples is gobbled up by nearly 80,000 apple-loving attendees.
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide 2018 Nebraska Official State Travel Guide: Page 58
