By Allison Peck
Visit North Platte has awarded more than $49,000 in promotional grant funding to support a variety of local events designed to attract visitors and strengthen the economic vitality of Lincoln County.
The Visit North Platte Board of Directors approved the funding during its January 28 meeting. In total, the board reviewed $69,565.59 in grant requests and awarded $49,019.59 to events and projects scheduled throughout 2026.
The Promotional Grant Awards program is intended to promote tourism by supporting events that draw visitors from outside the area. Grant funds, along with Visit North Platte’s marketing and operating expenses, are fully funded through lodging taxes collected from overnight stays at lodging properties within Lincoln County.
Grant recipients and awarded amounts include:
The North Platte Pickleball Club received $6,200 to host the PFA Round Up Pickleball Tournament presented by World of Pickleball. The tournament will return to Cody Park June 11–14 and is expected to attract competitors from surrounding communities while showcasing the city’s expanded pickleball facilities.
The D&N Event Center was awarded $1,550 for the Breakthrough Basketball Camp, a three-day camp for students in grades three through eight, scheduled for May 26–28. Organizers expect the camp to draw participants from across southwest and central Nebraska, as well as neighboring states.
Platte Valley Dogs received $3,550 to host an American Stock Dog Registry Show July 10–12 at the D&N Event Center. The event will be the only ASDR show held in Nebraska in 2026 and is expected to feature more than 150 herding dogs, along with vendors and free spectator access.
The North Platte Express Softball Team was awarded $9,050 for the Swinging Salute Fastpitch Softball Tournament, scheduled for May 22–24 at the Dowhower Softball Complex. The sanctioned USA Fastpitch tournament for ages 10–18 is expected to bring in more than 15 teams from surrounding communities and states.
North Platte Express also received $12,050 to host the Buffalo Bill Fastpitch Softball Tournament, set for June 12–14 at the Dowhower Softball Complex. The tournament is expected to draw approximately 30 teams and feature both pool play and bracket competition for athletes ages 10–18.
The Miss Nebraska Organization was awarded $6,200 to support the Miss Nebraska State Competition, which will take place June 1–6. The final two days of the event will be held at the North Platte High School Auditorium. This year marks the 41st consecutive year the competition has been hosted in North Platte.
The North Platte Trails Network received $319.59 to continue printing trail brochures that include maps and information used by both residents and visitors to explore the community’s trail system.
Operation Christmas Card, Inc. was awarded $10,100 to bring the Indian National Finals Rodeo to North Platte for the first time. The stand-alone rough stock event is scheduled for May 30 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds and is expected to attract visitors from neighboring states while offering family-friendly entertainment.
The next round of Visit North Platte Promotional Grant funding is now open, with an application deadline of April 1 for events or projects occurring in July, August, and September of 2026. Applications will be reviewed during the board’s regular meeting on April 22.
Visit North Platte operates under an agreement with the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to administer the Nebraska Visitors Development Act. Officials say the support of local lodging partners makes it possible to fund events that attract visitors and contribute to the economic well-being of Lincoln County communities.