NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — With just 47 days until Nebraskaland Days kicks off in North Platte, the community is gearing up for its annual celebration of western heritage and summer fun.
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Bob Lantis, Executive Director of Nebraskaland Days, spoke with the POST Friday about preparations for the June festival, which begins later than usual this year due to the calendar layout.
“It’s kind of a weird year because we’ve got all these weeks in May and then the festival starts as late as it possibly can,” said Lantis. “That’s a complete opposite from last year, which was as early as it could’ve been.”
As part of the lead-up to the festivities, today marks the first “Dress Western Friday” of the season, a weekly tradition throughout May that encourages locals to sport their western attire in support of the celebration. It’s also “Flyer Day,” with members of the Nebraskaland Days board of directors fanning out across North Platte to distribute this year’s brochures to local businesses.
Lantis said that while final preparations are still underway, everything is on track.
“It’s amazing. It just gets more crazy as we get closer,” he said. “Right now, it’s all about execution work—final touches, mowing the grass, getting the arena ready for the rodeo. We’re on schedule. I feel good about where we’re at, and we’re excited to have a celebration in just a little over a month.”
Nebraskaland Days officially opens on June 18, kicking off with four nights of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, a highlight of the festival. Lantis said organizers are particularly excited about this year’s rodeo enhancements.
“We’ve added some money for the Cowboys, so that should help draw more of them—better Cowboys, better stock in the arena. We’re really excited about the rodeo this year.”
The celebration wraps up with two nights of the Viaero Wireless Summer Jam Concert Series. Country star Luke Bryan, joined by Ashley Cooke and Baker Blankenship, headlines Friday, June 27, while rising star Bailey Zimmerman, along with Cooper Alan and Angie K, takes the stage Saturday, June 28.
Tickets for all events are on sale now at www.nebraskalanddays.com, and Lantis urged attendees to buy only from the official site.