Custer County Community
Celebrations
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
In 1886 when visitors by railway first came to this Wild West County the train conductor would chant:
"Prepare to meet your Maker . . . you are now entering Custer County."
Now, over 135 years later, tourists will find the most hospitable, good-natured people in all of the US!
We are proud of our heritage, proud of our state, proud of our communities,
and proud to have you come and enjoy it all with us!
"The Burlington engine #120 was the first train into Broken Bow, Ne."
photo by: Solomon D. Butcher
OCONTO, NE
BLOWIN' THE DOORS OFF BBQ
1st Weekend in June
Each year, the Oconto Volunteer Fire Department sponsors one of the greatest BBQ events in central Nebraska. Between Expert Grill Masters working their magic with Beef Brisket, Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, and Live Entertainment, you are in for a fantastic evening. The BBQ truly blows the doors off and helps the Volunteer Fire Department too!
For more, follow them on Facebook, Oconto VFD Blowing the doors off BBQ
ANSELMO, NE
BIG SKY JUBILEE
Father's Day Weekend
This annual celebration was started in 1967 and to this day is a highlight for the Anselmo community. Traditionally this celebration features a Hot Dog Feed, Parade, Softball Tournament, Horseshoe Tournament, Turtle Races, BBQ, Ranch Rodeo, and Sand Volleyball Tournament. You will find fun in the sun for every age at Big Sky Jubilee.
For more information follow the Big Sky Jubilee Facebook page.
ANSLEY, NE
MUDDY CREEK CELEBRATION
Last Weekend of June
Muddy Creek Celebration has activities for all ages. Live Band and Dance, Parade, Fishing Tournament, Bounce Houses, Tank Races, Sand Volleyball Tournament, Kids Water Carnival, Food Vendors, and even a Community Church Service on Sunday with a Potluck.
For more information follow the Muddy Creek Celebration Facebook page.
CALLAWAY, NE
PIONEER PICNIC & RODEO
Last Full Weekend of June
The Alumni Association, Rodeo Club, and other local groups join together to plan a truly memorable occasion and fun for the whole family! The Pioneer Picnic traditionally features a Street Dance, Color Run, Rodeo, Parade, Kid’s Carnival, Toad and Turtle Races, and an Auto Show. This celebration is also welcome to the Alumni returning home to celebrate their CHS Alumni Banquet and Program. Seven Valleys Museum is open for tours and there is a community Church Service on Sunday at Morgan Park.
For more information follow the Callaway Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
SARGENT, NE
SARGENT FAIR & CHOKECHERRY JAMBOREE
Last Weekend in June
The Sargent Fair Board plans a family-friendly weekend in Sargent! Plan to attend one of the fun activities such as the Golf Tournament, Parade, Hamburger Fry, Church in the Park, Pancake Feed, and Human Foosball. Cheer on the Little Miss Chokecherry contestants and test your skills in the Pit Spitting Contest, Cow Pie Bingo, and the Dennis Seidel Memorial Water Fights. All this and more each year at the Sargent Fair and Chokecherry Days Event.
For more information follow the Sargent Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
MERNA, NE
HERITAGE DAYS
1st Weekend of July
This annual celebration features a weekend of fun activities centered around the Anselmo-Merna Alumni Celebration. Join a sand volleyball team for the tournament or bring your softball team to compete. You will enjoy fireworks and an Alumni Pancake Feed not to mention Bingo and a Craft Show. The Parade, Pedal Tractor Pull, Scavenger Hunt, and Obstacle Course have always been popular events.
For more information follow the Merna Heritage Days Facebook Page.
BROKEN BOW, NE
CRAZY DAYS
July 10-12, 2025
Broken Bow is proud of our Annual Crazy Days Celebration. You will find Sidewalk Sales at our local businesses, the DC Lynch Carnival at the Custer County Fairgrounds, and the Annual Crazy Days 5K Fun Run Event. This community-minded event is fun for all ages and a special way to welcome Broken Bow High Alumni back home. Alumni are treated to a Welcome Home Event at the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Interpretive Center, All–Alumni lunch and tours of the schools and community as well as class get-togethers at various locations around town.
For more information follow
Broken Bow Nebraska Chamber on Facebook.
ARNOLD, NE
DEVILS DEN MOTORCYCLE RALLY
1st Weekend of July
The event begins Friday night at the Arnold Lake/Campground and Recreation Area. Saturday is a spectacular ride through the beautiful Sandhills and stops along the way before returning to the starting point in the early afternoon. This fundraiser is chock-full of fun activities, dyna machine, contests, food, tattooing, fellowship, beautiful scenery, music, great friends, the roar of motorcycles, and wind therapy! Visit arnoldne.org/events for more information
MASON CITY, NE
MASON CITY HOMECOMING
3rd Weekend of July
Traditionally the Mason City Homecoming Celebration kicks off with the Rural Fire Department BBQ and the Parade. Other fun events include Turtle Races, Tractor Pull, Car Show, 5K, Kids One Mile Race, Outdoor Movie, Horseshoe Tournament, and Sunday Community Church Service. For more information please check out the Mason City Homecoming Facebook Page.
BROKEN BOW, NE
CUSTER COUNTY FAIR
Last Weekend in July, 1st Week of August
The Custer County Fair is truly a celebration in our county. The Fair kicks off with the Annual Parade on Saturday evening through the downtown streets of Broken Bow. After the parade sign up for a pedal tractor pull! Area 4-H Members show their skills throughout the week in the ring with their animals including cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and dogs. They show their expertise in their projects, whether it’s sewing, baking, photography, gardening, or cake decorating. Enjoy the Free Pit BBQ, Bull Riding, Bull Fighting, and a Teen Dance. The fair is a time to come together as a county, celebrating a busy and productive summer.
Follow the
Custer County Fairgrounds on Facebook for current information.
ARNOLD & CALLAWAY, NE
SORC
SANDHILLS OPEN ROAD CHALLENGE
2nd Weekend in August
The Sandhills Open Road Challenge is a 55-mile rally-style open road race through the scenic Nebraska Sandhills. Arguably the most demanding event of its kind in America, the SORC offers a daunting series of "S" curves, straights, and 90-degree turns to challenge the most talented of drivers. SORC pioneered the concept of the one-mile shoot-out in 2002 and enjoys great popularity with drivers and spectators alike. With unmatched hospitality, the residents and fans from Custer County look forward to each August to welcome new and returning drivers. SORC veterans declare that the event is America's most family-friendly open road. Sandhills Open Road Challenge
CALLAWAY, NE
CALLAWAY KITE FLIGHT
Labor Day Weekend
This AKA-sanctioned event has hosted guests from at least 21 countries and 29 states since it began in 1990. Their mission is to bring together amateur and professional flyers in a friendly, fun atmosphere for the enjoyment of flyers and spectators alike. Callaway was named the “Kite Flying Capital of Nebraska” and is one of the United States' Top 10 places to fly a kite. Follow Callaway Kite Flight on Facebook.
NEBASKA'S JUNK JAUNT
Last Full Weekend of September
Garage Sale regulars call themselves “Junkers” and a “Jaunt” is a sprint or short run. Thus, you could say it is ‘running for the junk’.
Nebraska’s JUNK JAUNT® is nearly 500 miles of garage sales, collectibles, antiques, vintage, gastric delights and just plain fun.
It began in 2004 with about 75 vendors and 1,000 shoppers. Annual license plate surveys and guest book sign-ins tell us that upwards of 25,000 people attend from nearly every state, several Canadians provinces and even a few foreign visitors. Some veteran “junkers” have been to every JUNK JAUNT®, while others it is their inaugural trip.
nebraskajunkjaunt.com