By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast
The countdown to NebraskaLand Days officially begins Friday as the annual Brochure Day and first Dress Western Friday kick off excitement for this year’s celebration.
For Executive Director Bob Lantis, the tradition is about more than handing out event guides — it’s about signaling that NebraskaLand Days season has arrived.
On Friday, organizers will load brochures onto an old fire truck and make deliveries to businesses across North Platte, a tradition that has become one of the first visible signs the 10-day celebration is drawing near.
“It’s just one of those things that helps remind the community that, hey, it’s coming up real quick,” Lantis said.
The day also launches Dress Western Fridays throughout May, inviting the community to pull on boots, buckles and hats and lean into the western spirit that defines NebraskaLand Days. Lantis said the tradition has long been about building momentum and getting the entire community involved.
This year’s brochure arrives with plenty for people to start planning around, from rodeo performances and concerts to community staples like the Prime Rib Feed, Flapjack Feed and the returning Pork Breakfast Feed.
Lantis said the event schedule offers something for every age, from major ticketed attractions to free family-friendly events spread across the celebration.
“There’s a whole 10 days of events that you can take your family to,” he said.
And while food and entertainment are major draws, Lantis said the celebration’s parades remain a signature attraction, especially the Saturday main parade, which features more than 100 entries and stretches nearly three hours.
“I would put our parades up against anybody’s in the state of Nebraska,” he said.
With NebraskaLand Days now less than 50 days away, Lantis said Brochure Day is also a reminder for people to start securing tickets early and mapping out the events they don’t want to miss.
“When you get that brochure in your hand, that whole entire inside of the brochure is full of events for 10 straight days,” he said.
Brochures will be available around town beginning Friday, with event information and tickets also available through NebraskaLand Days as the community begins gearing up for another summer celebration.