/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS / Nebraska’s Big Rodeo Burwell Experience classic rodeo events such as Saddle Broncs and the wild and woolly action of the Wild Horse Race and Canadian Chuck Wagon Races. Chicken Show Wayne An odd bird of a festival, but even more fun than the chicken dance. Previous years’ events included egg toss, rubber chicken chuck and all things chicken! SEPTEMBER AppleJack Festival Nebraska City One of USA Today ’s Top 10 Fall Harvest Festivals with over six craft fairs, a parade, classic car show, live music and three-day carnival. Market to Market Relay Omaha The largest day-long relay in the nation, the Market to Market ® Relay Nebraska takes teams from Omaha to Lincoln. Fur Trade Days Chadron A historic celebration of buck-skinners, traders and Native Americans. Five days packed with events pay tribute to the town’s key role in the fur trade. AUGUST Kool-Aid Days Hastings Kool-Aid was invented here over 90 years ago. Celebrate with three days of live music, fireworks, Kardboard Boat Races and a Kool-Aid drinking contest. Husker Harvest Days Grand Island The world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show features the latest equipment, supplies and technologies available to today’s producers. NOVEMBER Light of the World Pageant Minden Residents perform the Christmas story under the illumination of over 12,000 bulbs adorning the courthouse and the square. Junk Jaunt Central Nebraska The annual Junk Jaunt— like a large garage sale— spans nearly 500 miles of garage sales, collectibles, antiques, vintage items and quirky finds. Christmas at Union Station Omaha The tradition begins with the lighting of the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and continues into January with festive, family-friendly events. Nebraska State Fair Grand Island For 150 years, Nebraska has celebrated its culture, traditions, talent, products and people at the state fair. GermanFest Syracuse “Viener Dog” races, dancers, a two-block beer garden and traditional eats provide a taste of the town’s German heritage. Old West Balloon Fest Gering-Scottsbluff-Mitchell Nebraska’s premier hot air balloon festival. Experience glow balloons, amazing hot air experiences and much, much more! Rail Days North Platte Experience incredible railroad heritage at the home of the world’s largest rail classification yard with activities, tours and exhibits. DECEMBER Oregon Trail Days Gering Oregon Trail Days is the oldest celebration in Nebraska. OTD boasts everything from parades to concerts to an international food fair. Prairie Sludge Trudge Grand Island The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer’s muddy, exhausting adventure pits runners against unrelenting obstacles and the fierce Nebraska prairie. Summer Indian Rendezvous Ogallala Ogallala citizens come together in tradition to celebrate their colorful past with bands, live entertainment, dancing and a diverse array of local talents. Christmas at the Cody’s John C. Fremont Days Fremont A living-history encampment at Clemmons Park explores life from the Renaissance to World War II. North Platte Enjoy caroling, horse-drawn rides, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts on the grounds of Buffalo Bill’s decorated Victorian mansion. Fourth of July Celebration Seward For 140 years, Seward, “Nebraska’s Official 4th of July City,” has put on one of the top small-town celebrations in the nation. Lincoln Calling Lincoln More than 100 emerging bands and solo artists perform at venues around downtown Lincoln for an artistic weekend of music. Christmas Past & Present Maha Music Festival Omaha Local artists, national acts and poetry performances showcase the heart and soul of the Midwest at the Maha Music Festival. Held in Stinson Park. OCTOBER Boo at the Zoo Czech Days Wilber Celebrate Czech culture in the Czech Capital of the USA. Enjoy music, food, dancing, costumes, pageants and more. Lincoln Lincoln’s largest trick-or-treat event. The entire family will love stopping at nearly 40 trick-or-treat booths to get candy, coupons and more! Grand Island Among the historic buildings of the Stuhr Museum’s 1890s railroad town, view the Fantasy of Trees exhibit and enjoy cookies, DIY craft stations, holiday shopping and visits with Santa. Christmas at the Mansion Nebraska City See Arbor Day Mansion decked out in vintage decor and holiday-themed collections for an unforgettable Christmas experience. VisitNebraska.com 9 CREDITS: BLACKBIRD PHOTOGRAPHIE; DEBRA NADRCHAL, COLFAX COUNTY PRESS; NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE/ NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2019 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 13
