Festivals in nebraska

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

When one thinks of Nebraska, the Cornhusker state, one probably conjures up acres of corn fields and farms. After all, what can one say about this relatively peaceful, Great Plains state, located in the geographic center of the United States? Nebraska has more to offer than its reputation as an agricultural wonder. The festivals in Nebraska appeal to an eclectic mix of tastes and will leaves visitors absolutely speechless.

One probably wouldnt think of a Great Plains state as being a great seafood state, but Rockville, Nebraska will surely disagree. Known as the lobster capital of Nebraska, Rockville is also the home of the Rockstock Lobster Festival. Held on the first Saturday each August, the small town of Rockville plays host to a day of music, food, vendor fair, and of course, lobster.

Chester, a town on the border of Kansas and Nebraska, is a former railroad town that is now home to Chesterfest. An annual event since 2001, Chesterfest offers the visitor a good old barbeque, Rock N Roll, a fireworks display, and the Bare You Chest for Chesterfest contest. Check out this unusual event in this town bearing the namesake of the twenty-first president of the United States.

Hastings, Nebraska is the site of the Miles of Memories Country Music Fest and RV Rally. Sponsored annually by country entertainers Mary and Tex Schutz, Miles of Memories offers enthusiasts of traditional country and gospel music one-of-a-kid harmonies, food, and lots of fun. The festival is held at the convention center on the Adams County Fairgrounds.

Paying homage to its agricultural roots, the Applejack Festival celebrates Nebraskas apple harvest. Held annually on the third fall weekend in September in Nebraska City, the Applejack Festival features an antique car show, a large parade with a marching band, family activities, and an apple pie baking contest.

Omaha, the largest city in Nebraska, plays host to several of the states larger festivals. During one weekend in July, the Blues Society of Omaha sponsors the Omaha Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival. The best local, regional, and national entertainers in jazz and the blues converge at the Lewis and Clark Landing to celebrate two days of excitement and fun. The hosts keep the ticket prices low so that visitors can sample the areas musical offerings. Omaha is also home to the Taste of Omaha. The Taste of Omaha features Omahas best in fine dining. Omaha prepares for this event each June with a full schedule of free concerts, entertainment, and a variety of food samplings from the best restaurants in town for festival participants.

Nebraskas claim to fame is as the home of the national Arbor Day Festival. Held in Nebraska City at the Arbor Lodge State Historic Park, the festival celebrates the environment. There is ample entertainment and educational activities to satisfy families.

The festival also features a parade, crafts shows, demonstrations, a Shakespeare on the Green festival, and food. The end of April marks the beginning of the Arbor Day Festival.

Being an agricultural state, theres no bigger event for all than the official state fair. The Nebraska State Fair, held in the states capital of Lincoln, has been a tradition since 1868. For one week in August C September, exhibits, shows, competitions, carnival rides, and concerts occupy Nebraskan minds from all around. The State Fair also holds the largest street dance event nationally. Families will love the atmosphere and sights the fair has to offer.

The Cornhusker state is more than its stereotyped identity with agriculture. It celebrates culture, food, and the environment through festivals and fairs. When planning a trip to Nebraska, not only will the visitor appreciate the beauty and peace of the country, but the visitor will leave with a greater cultural appreciation of this Midwestern state.