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 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​

Ansley, Ne
Muddy Creek celebration
​June 24-25, 2022

2022 marks the 135th Anniversary of the Muddy Creek Celebration.  Annually you can expect great food and great fun in Ansley.  This event starts off on Friday afternoon at 5pm with "Main Street Games", food trucks, and Mel Sheppard and Hannah Goodnight preforming. At 9pm join in the Glow Walk/Run and Dance.  Saturday's parade theme is "Strong in a Small Town". There is Axe Throwing, Sand Volleyball, Craft & Vendor Show, games for all ages, and an Art Show. If that's not enough, sign up for the Fishing Tournament at Ansley Lake. The Evening brings more great music with Tazy Scott and a DJ Dance.  Complete your experience by attending Community Worship service at the Lake Park Building followed by community Potluck.  Come join our small town fun!  For exact times and events visit the Muddy Creek Celebration Facebook page or go to the Public Events calendar on this website. 

Oconto, Ne
blowin' the doors off bbq
​June 4, 2022

The Oconto Volunteer Fire Department sponsors one the of the greatest BBQ events in Central Nebraska.  Between the Expert Grill Masters working their magical "special rubs" on mountains of meat, and the Live Entertainment you are in for a fantastic evening! The BBQ truly blows the doors off and helps the VFD too! 

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Anselmo, NE
Big sky jubilee
​June 17-19, 2022

This annual celebration was started in 1967 and to this day is a highlight of the Anselmo and surrounding communities. Be prepared to partake!  There is a Hot Dog Feed, Parade, Softball Tournament, Horseshoe Tourney, Turtle Races, BBQ, Ranch Rodeo and Sand Volleyball Tournament.  You can't forget the Street Dance outside the Firehall that ends with an amazing breakfast! You will find fun for every age group at Big Sky! 

Callaway, NE
Pioneer Picnic & rodeo
​June 24-26, 2022

The alumni Association, Rodeo Club and other local groups join together to plan great fun for the whole family! The Pioneer Picnic traditionally features a Street Dance, Color Run, Rodeo, Parade, Kid's Carnival, Toad & Turtle Races, and an Auto Show.  Seven Valleys Museum is open for tours and there is a Community Church Service on Sunday at Morgan Park. 

Sargent, Ne
Sargent Fair & Chokecherry Jamboree
​June 25- 26, 2022

Welcome to the Sargent Fair and Chokecherry Jamboree.  Like so many small Nebraska town there is a lot of hard work put into this fun annual event.  Join the 5K run/walk, 3 on 3 basketball, ping pong drop, and much more.  Cheer on the Little Miss Chokecherry contestant and test your skills in the pit spitting contest.  There is always a parade with loads of candy flung out for the kids, Hamburger Fry, and some Live Entertainment.  

Merna, Ne
Heritage Days
July 2, 2022

Heritage Days is an annual celebration in conjunction with the Anselmo-Merna Alumni Weekend.  You can start the day off filling up at the Pancake Feed put on by the Alumni. Enjoy a lively parade through this sleepy little town, a Craft Show, Ping Pong Ball Drop, Water Activities, and a delicious BBQ and Fireworks to end the event just right! 

Broken Bow, Ne
crazy days
July 7-9, 2022

Join in on Broken Bow's Crazy Days!  The Square is chock full of Super Sidewalk Sales and special events.  There will be Market on the Square Thursday the 7th, followed by Music in the Park with Mohanna w/ Red Shoes, a Kids Carnival sponsored by 4 County Kids and Super Kids Club. The Rotary will be there with a Chalk Art Contest, 50/50 Cornhole Tournament, and a great display of all Rotary has to offer. On Saturday there will be a Fun Run/Walk.  More details to come!

Arnold, Ne
​Devils Den motorcycle Rally July 8-9, 2022

This is a Bike Show and Poker Run fundraiser. The event begins Friday night at the Arnold Lake/Camp & recreation Area. Saturday is a spectacular ride through the Sandhills with stops along the way, returning in the early afternoon to the Arnold Lake. You can be guaranteed a great time full of fun activities, contests, tattooing, fellowship, music, food, and fantastic scenery. Come enjoy the roar of the motorcycles and some wind therapy!    

Mason City, NE
Mason City Homecoming 
July 22-24, 2022

Traditionally, the Mason City Homecoming Celebration kicks off with the Rural Fire Department BBQ and the Parade.  Other fun events include Teen Dance, Street Dance, Turtle Races, Tractor Pull, Car Show, 5K, Kids 1 Mile Race, Outdoor Movie Night, Horseshoe and Cornhole Tournaments, and Sunday Community Church Service. For more information please check out the Mason City Homecoming Facebook Page.

Broken Bow, Ne
Custer County Fair
​July 30 - Aug 3, 2022

The Custer County Fair always starts with a Parade, and this year is no different! The parade begins at 6pm and the Route goes from Gary's Superfoods to the Broken Bow Library.  

Arnold & Callaway, NE
sorc
Sandhills open road challenge 
​ Aug 11-13, 2022

This 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 SOC offers a daunting series of "S" curves, straights, and 90-degree turns to challenge the most talented of drivers. The 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.

Callaway, Ne
Callaway Kite Flight
​Labor Day Weekend

This AKA-sanctioned event has hosted guests from over 21 countries and 29 states since it began in 1990.  Their mission is a little up in the air... Bring together amateur and professional flyers in a friendly, fun atmosphere for the enjoyment of flyers and spectators alike! Callaway has been named the "Kite Flying Capital of Nebraska" and is one of the United States Top 10 places to "fly a kite".  Come join us!

Junk Jaunt
Sept 23-25, 2022

NEBRASKA'S JUNK JAUNT® is a 300 mile continuous Yard Sale in central Nebraska. Each of 35-40 towns organizes a 3-day yard sale.  Visit nebraskajunkjaunt.com for more information

Arnold, NE
Housing Tour
Nov 5, 2022

View area homes and businesses of special interest, including new construction and recently renovated projects. Speak with owners and learn how they made their vision a reality. Share home decorating tips and gather landscaping ideas. The event kicks off with a salad luncheon and then moves into organized tour groups. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the chamber. The next Tour of Homes is scheduled for November 5th 2022.