Get Up and Go 2013 by Telegraph Webmaster

101 THINGS TO DO

2 SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013

Play a round of golf Golfers can choose from many lovely golf courses in the area for day of birdies and bogeys. In North Platte, check out River’s Edge Golf Course, a private course located on the north side of town at 1008 W. 18th St. The course features a putting green, driving range, rental carts and clubs as well as Margie’s Bar and Grill. Call 308- 532-7750 for prices and information. Iron Eagle Golf Course is the municipal golf course owned and operated by the city of North Platte. Located along the banks of the South Platte River, the 18-hole course is long but walkable. It features a driving range, putting green, cart and club rentals as well as lessons from qualified professional staff. Call 308-535-6730 or go to ci.north-platte.ne.us. Indian Meadows Golf Course is owned and operated by Richard Skinner, PGA professional. The nine-hole course finishes with back-to-back par 5’s, the only course in the state to do so. Call 308-532-6955 or go to goldindianmeadows.com for more information.

Lake Maloney Golf Course is a semi-private 18hole course that features great views of Lake Maloney and a hilly terrain. THING Located 6 miles south of Platte on U.S. HighTO DO North way 83, the course was an 18-hole sand green tract until members rebuilt and converted the greens to grass in the early 1990s. A new clubhouse and pro shop opened in 2012. Call 308-532-9998 for tee time information. Other area courses include: Arrowhead Meadows, Curtis 308-367-4123 Wild Horse Golf Club, Gothenburg 308-537-7700 Augusta Wind Gold Course, Stapleton 308-636-2907 Heritage Hills Golf Course, McCook 308-345-5032 Oregon Trail Golf Course, Sutherland 308-386-4653 Deer Park Country Club, Valentine 402-376-1271 Dismal River Club, Mullen 308-5462900 (private) Mullen Golf Club, Mullen 308-5462445 (public) Sand Hills Golf Course, Mullen 308-546-2237 (private)

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See the Golden Spike Tower and Visitors Center See North Platte’s railroad from a bird’s eye perspective at the Golden Spike Tower and Visitors Center, 1249 Homestead Road, North Platte. The eight-story attraction rises above Union Pacific Railroad’s Bailey Yard, the world’s largest rail switching yard. Filled with permanent and rotating exhibits that illustrate the history of

memorial brick pavilion showcases embossed bricks with the names of employees of the UPRR, the community and families of UPRR employees. Union Pacific The Golden Spike is in North Platte, the Golden THINGS open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Spike also fea- TO DO Mondays through Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. on Suntures an enclosed viewing area on days from May 1 through the top floor with a 360- Sept. 30. From Oct. 1 thordegree view and an open- ough April 1, hours are 10 air platform on the sev- a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1enth floor. Also featured is a 5 p.m. on Sundays. Visit goldenspiketowcourtyard that flies all 23 flag representing all the er.com for photos and states the UPRR serves. A more information.

Have a picnic and a splash in Memorial Park

Memorial Park is a jewel among North Platte’s crown THINGS of parks, home TO DO to the new splash pad and Union Pacific’s steam locomotive No. 480. Located between Bryan and Tabor Streets on East Fourth Street, it also features two hard-surfaced tennis courts, a multipurpose court, a large playground area and a gazebo shelter. Restroom facilities are open from April 15 through Oct. 15. In 2012, the Betty Keenan Memorial Splash Pad opened, providing hours of free soaking recreation on hot summer days for park visitors.

Learn something new at North Platte Community College

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Plains Community College Center for Enterprise has something for you. A wide range of classes are available on site or online for THINGS businesses, local agencies TO DO and community groups. Whether you are looking for continuA class schedule and regising education credits, professional de- tration information is available online velopment or simply tired of being at centerforenterprise.com or contact frustrated by your digital camera, Mid- Crystal Welch at 308-535-3714.

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Visit trains in North Platte Historic steam locomotive No. 844 often passes through North Platte on its excursion runs. As the last steam locomotive built for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1944, it was saved from the scrap heap after diesel locomotives came on board in 1960 and was held for special service. People in North Platte are familiar with the loud whistle that announces No. 844 is coming to town. They gather along Front Street to see the behemoth black locomotive make it’s way through town. You can find the schedule for No. 844 on the UPRR’s website, up.com, under “about us/special

trains.” Don’t want to wait for No. 844 to come to town? Check THINGS out the Cody TO DO Park Railroad Museum. The only Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on public display is there. Cleaned and repainted by the city of North Platte in 2013, the locomotive sits proudly at the museum, along with Unit 6922, one of the 6900 series diesel locomotives that were the largest every made. The two locomotives have a combined horsepower of more than 12,000. Also on display are a fully restored railroad depot, several rail cars and a caboose. Memorial Park in North Platte is home to UPRR’s other steam locomotive, No. 480.

Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity

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Visit Jeffrey Lake at Brady

vides 11 miles of shoreline and is home to more than 120 cabins and homes. As a fish and wildlife habitat, the lake is a magnet for a wide vaJeffrey Lake, located riety of aquatic birds, fish and south of Brady, is the mammals. In winter, bald eagles second largest lake on gather along the canal below the T HINGS the Central Nebraska hydro plant to catch fish. The turTO DO Public Power and Irribulence created by the operation gation District supply canal. With of the hydro plant prevents the 595 surface acres of water, it pro- water below from freezing and

also take on the 12mile route around Lake Maloney south of North Platte. Bike routes are North Platte is marked with rectanT HINGS home to nearly 20 miles of bike TO DO gular signs with a green background trails, including and a while diagram of almost 12 miles of trails a bicycle. off city streets. Remember to wear a The South Buffalo Bill helmet and follow the Avenue extension from rules of the road for a Leota Street across the safe, relaxing and fun South Platte River and way to explore North Interstate 80 provides a Platte and the surrounddirect route to State ing area. Farm Road. Riders can For help in purchas-

Drive through Cottonwood Canyon In 1863, troops from the Seventh tive Americans during Regiment Iowa Calvary began the construction of the building what was then known as railroad. Renamed Fort Cantonment KcKean along the McPherson in 1866 in banks of the North Platte River at honor of Maj. Gen. the mouth of Cottonwood Canyon. THINGS James B. McPherson, Using cedar logs cut from the TO DO the site became a nacanyon, the fort was an outpost tional cemetery in 1873. built to protect travelers along the Today, the hills and valleys of Oregon and California Trails and Cottonwood Canyon are still covto protect workers from hostile Na- ered with cedar trees.

North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity is part of a worldwide THINGS n o n - p r o f i t TO DO C h r i s t i a n housing organization that operates through more than 2,300 affiliates in nearly 80 countries. Thanks to Habitat for

Go for a bike ride

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SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013

After a visit to Fort McPherson National Cemetery, located 4 miles south of Maxwell, take advantage of one of the prettiest drives in the area by heading south into Cottonwood Canyon. Once the main route between the Fort and Indianola to the south, driving Cottonwood Canyon takes travelers through southern Lincoln County and into Frontier County. The road ends at U.S. Highway 23, about one-half mile east of Curtis.

Humanity, every seven minutes of every hour, a family in need somewhere in the world improves its housing situation. In 2010, Habitat served a record number of 74,960 families in need. North Platte Habitat volunteers are currently building house No. 39 on West 22nd Street. To volunteer, donate or learn more about Habitat for Humanity, call the North Platte area office at 308-534-6251 between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. weekdays.

creates excellent conditions for eagles and other waterfowl to catch fish. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie and catfish populate the waters of the lake. Jeffrey Lake also serves as a stopping place for Sandhill cranes during their annual migration. To learn more about Jeffrey Lake, go to jeffrey-lake.com.

ing the right bicycle for your needs, visit Cycle Sport at 413 E. Fifth St. (nopcyclesport.com) or Alive Outside, 601 S. Jeffers St. (aliveoutside.com).

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4 SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013

Visit Lake McConaughy and Kingsley Dam Known as “Big Mac,” Lake McConaughy is the state’s THINGS TO DO lr ea sre gr veosi rt with 100 miles of shoreline. Famous to Nebraskans and residents of surrounding states for its white sand beaches, Big

Mac is also known for excellent fishing and boating and is a favorite for campers, sailboaters, windsurfers and many other outdoor seekers of fun. When it is full, Lake McConaughy is 22 miles long, 4 miles wide and 142 feet deep at Kingsley Dam. For information on services at the lake, go to lakemcconaughy.com.

Located on the east side of Lake McConaughy in central Keith County, 9 miles north of Ogallala, Kingsley Dam was one of the largest public works projects in Nebraska during the 1930s. At the time, it was one of the largest hydraulically filled earthen dams in the world. U.S. Highway 61 runs across the top of

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH the dam for 3.5 miles. The dam was named for George P. Kingsley, a Minden banker who worked with C. W. McConaughy to promote the project. Construction began in 1936 and was completed five years later at a cost of $43.5 million. Water from Lake McConaughy is the fuel for the Kingsley Hydroplant. The outlet tower and Morning Glory

Relive the Old West at Front Street in Ogallala Once the destination for cowboys seeking to ship out their cattle on the Union Pacific Railroad, Ogallala’s ties to the old west run thick and deep. Today, that history lives on at Front Street. The attraction, which opened its doors in 1963,

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Attend a rodeo in North Platte North Platte is credited with being the birthplace of organized rodeo. On July 4, 1882, THINGS William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody staged the “Old Glory Blowout” at a site now home to Cody Park. The event was in conjunction with the last of the big open range roundups in Nebraska. It featured roping, bronc riding and buffalo riding and was so popular that Cody developed a Wild West Show based on it and traveled around the world. The tradition lives on

through the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, staged each June during Nebraskaland Days at the Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. The rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association sanctioned event, luring in the top TO DO contestants and stock from across the nation. A talented all-volunteer committee organizes the rodeo. In 2008, members were inducted into the PRCA Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., for their efforts. The Wild West Arena also hosts the Nebraska State Rodeo Association finals every fall, in addition to a qualifying event for the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association.

spillway are used to release water from the lake. The dam is 3.5 miles long, 162 feet high (the height of a 10 story building) and 1,100 feet wide at its base. When all the gates are open, it can release 420,000 gallons of water per minute. Contact Invert Sports at invertsports.com to learn how to rent boats, jet skies, and all things relation to water sports, 888-205-7119.

munity’s history and the important role it played along the is set up to look THINGS TO DO Pony Express route and othlike a stereotypical old cow town — com- er historic trails. Visitors can dine on plete with a livery and Rocky Mountain oysters saloon. Exhibits in the free in the restaurant, order museum include recre- up a sarsaparilla in the ations of an undertak- bar, purchase souvenirs er’s parlor, barbershop in the gift shop and take and jail. Interpretive dis- in a show at the Crystal plays recount the com- Palace Revue. From May

Go to Open Mic Night at A-Z Books

Watch the planes at North Platte Regional Airport

Ready to burst into song? Feeling dramatic? The mic r o p h o n e THINGS TO DO is available to everyone during Open Mic Night at A-Z Books in North Platte, 507 N. Jeffers St. A-Z is the largest used bookstore between Omaha and Denver. Musings, music, poetry, prose, comedy and singalongs are all welcome on the second Friday and the last Saturday of every month. Coffee and tea is provided and guests usually bring snacks to share. Donations are welcome but not required. Each performer is allotted 3-5 minutes at the microphone at least twice during the evening. Friday performances begin at 7 p.m., and Saturday’s at 7:30 p.m. To find out more, contact Sharon Owen at A-Z, 308-5340140.

The North Platte Regional Airport, also known as Lee Bird Field, was the first lighted airfield in the country. Built in 1921 with private money to serve the needs of the U.S. Air Mail Service, fuel burning barrels lined the landing area on Feb. 22, 1921, when Jack Knight flew a daring night segment of the first transcontinental airmail flight.

through August, the productions feature music and dancing sprinkled with stories about the wild and untamed west. Performances kick-off with a shootout on the street followed by entertainment by rough and tumble cowhands and colorful saloon girls. The attraction is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at 519 E. First St., Ogallala.

The airfield was purchased by the city of North Platte in 1929 and leased THINGS TO DO to the Boeing Transport Co. In 1941, additional runways were built and the airfield became the site of a B-17 training command during World War II. Today, the airport is home to Great Lakes Airlines, which has three flights to Denver every weekday, and two flights on Saturdays and Sundays. For flight information, go to northplatteairport.com or call 308-532-1558.

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101 THINGS TO DO

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Get splattered by paintballs in Hershey An attraction at Hershey has proven popular among local residents and THINGS TO DO adventurous tourists. About halfway between the town and Interstate 80 is a paintball field that features three courses: air, speedball and a wooded area. Splatterbox Paintball was created in 1999, and had its first tournament in 2000. The attraction prides itself on being injury-free. It hosts parties for families, sports teams, clubs and school events in addition to offering games for individuals. Splatterbox also offers tournaments every year. Those include the Arch Angel’s “Throw Down” and “Rumble In The River,” during which teams with military training play against each other. The field is open every Saturday and Sunday from noon until dark, weather permitting. Admission fees cover a day’s worth of playing time. It costs $5 to play air soft games and $10 for paintball. Equipment, which includes a gun, nine ounces of carbon dioxide, a mask and 500 rounds of paintballs, can be rented for $20. For most players, the supplies will last two to three hours. More information about reserving a playing time is available by contacting Shayne Younghans at 530-0553 or emailing splatterboxpaintball@hotmail.com.

Attend a carnival Bright lights, circus music and cotton candy — the sights, sounds and smells of carnivals are a common occurrence in THINGS TO DO North Platte. They are a popular part of Nebraskaland Days, the official state celebration, in June. The carnival varies by year, but the parking lot at the Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave., is always full of Ferris wheels, a Kamikaze and octopus rides. Children too young for the fast models can take a spin on the carousel, a giant double slide or mini motorcycles. They can also try to find their way through a “fun house.” Visitors can attempt to win a prize at the dartboard or fishpond, or they can relax on a bench and enjoy the many tasty treats that are offered. Everything from whipped

cream covered funnel cakes and caramel apples to cotton candy and smothered nachos are on the menu. The Lincoln County Fair often hosts its own carnival in July at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. At various times throughout the summer, rides are also set up in the south parking lot of the Platte River Mall.

See history frozen in time at the Petrified Wood Gallery Ancient woods and fossils from around the world are just some of the attractions that can be found THINGS at the Petrified Wood Gallery in Ogallala. Located at 418 E. First St. across from the historic Front Street, the gallery also showcases a variety of arrowheads and Native American artifacts. Many of the items were

found within a 25mile radius of Ogallala. Brothers Harvey and Howard opened TO DO Kenfield the original Petrified Wood Gallery. The two began collecting Indian artifacts in 1953. They eventually branched into collecting petrified wood and learned how to cut and polish rocks. In 2000, they donated

their collection to the Western Nebraska Community Foundation, with the restriction that it stay in Ogallala. An addition was built onto the Front Street attraction to house the collection. In 2011, the gallery moved to its current location where it has added artwork by visiting artists and loaned exhibits from other collectors. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Admission is a freewill donation.

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013

Attend a speaking series

The Brown Bag Luncheon series at the North Platte THINGS TO DO Public Library is an informative and entertaining way to spend a lunch hour. The programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library, a group dedicated to promoting the library as a cultural, educational and recreational asset to the community. It uses money collected from memberships and fundraisers to provide some of the programming. It also partners with Humanities Nebraska to bring in some of the speakers. Times and topics vary depending on what events are occurring in the community simultaneously. Previous presentations have focused on local war heroes, fashions of the 1930s, candy of the 1940s, tips for researching family histories and suggestions for self-publishing. The programs are free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to take a lunch and eat while listening. Tea, coffee and water are provided. The Town Hall Lecture Series also offers high-quality presentations. Most of them are motivational and have an underlying theme such as finding humor in life, breaking down barriers or overcoming adversity. Speakers come from the Keppler Speakers bureau. Some who have been featured have included Ed McMahon, Naomi Judd and Scott Hamilton. Four programs are offered each year but the season is split. Half of them are in the fall and the other half are in the spring. Admission is a $60 membership to the Town Hall Lecture Series.

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THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

To do: Attend a small-town festival BY ANDREW BOTTRELL | ABOTTRELL@NPTELEGRAPH.COM

ne of the finest traditions in rural Lincoln County is the community festival. Area villages and towns host their unique annual events throughout the summer and fall months, drawing thousands of people from the surrounding area. From demolition derbies to wild horse runs, rodeos and carnivals, there’s a little bit of something for everyone in the communities of rural Nebraska.

Maxwell Heritage Festival

queen crowned on the Fourth of July. In 2013, Sutherland school hosted the second annual old-fashioned pie and ice cream social, complete with a “perfect pie” contest. The Lutheran Church in Sutherland also hosts an annual pancake feed on the morning of July 4. The popular Sutherland parade, the only Fourth of July parade in Lincoln County, draws thousands of people from all over the region and starts each year at 2 p.m. New to the Sutherland Fourth of July celebration is the 5K Firecracker Run, with proceeds going to TeamMates. The event includes kids races and frog races at the Sutherland school.

Nearly 2,000 people come to Heritage Days in Maxwell, a town of 1,100 people east of North Platte THINGS TO DO on Highway 30. Maxwell’s annual August celebration is known for its popular demolition derby, hosted by the Maxwell Fire and Rescue. The fire department uses the proceeds from the demolition derby to help purchase equipment throughout the year. In 2012, the demolition derby in Maxwell was also the final leg of the Lincoln County Demolition Derby CirBrady Days takes cuit. place on the first The 2013 Heritage Days will be Saturweekend of August day, Aug. 17, and will include a parade, each year. In 2013, a team race, draft horse pull and an obthat will be Friday, stacle course. Activities at past Maxwell Heritage THINGS TO DO Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 4. Days include an annual pancake breakThis year’s celebration kicks off with fast, as well as fun games and activities in the park all day long. The past two a kids parade that begins at the Brady years, they’ve included a paint ball school and ends at the Community Center where burgers and hot dogs will be game and a dunk tank. served at 6:30 p.m. with ice cream at 7 p.m. Family night activities include a hot dog eating, sidewalk chalk art and apple pie contests as well as results from the first Brad Days photo contest. Dances and an outdoor kids movie Sutherland, 20 round out the Friday activities. miles west of North On Saturday the car show, which was Platte on Highway brought back to the festival in 2012, 30, celebrates our in- continues from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in dependence in style downtown Brady. It will also include an the Fourth of appearance and performance by the THINGS TO DO over July holiday. NerdMobile. The community hosts a three-day The annual parade begins at 10:30 event, culminating in the annual rodeo a.m., and there are many events for and fireworks show. The 2013 celebra- everyone throughout the day in the city tion marked the 76th annual Fourth of park, including tug-of-war, mud volleyJuly Sutherland Rodeo, which takes ball and a mechanical bull in the park. place each year on July 3 and July 4, be- The bull moves downtown from 6 p.m. ginning at 7:30 p.m. each night at the to midnight with an outdoor dance at 9 Sutherland Rodeo Arena. p.m. The annual rodeo also includes a JuJump-starting events on Sunday will nior Rodeo Queen Contest, with the be the annual road run with a 5K and

Brady Days

Sutherland Fourth of July Celebration

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A gang of “bandits” prepares to hold up a train during a street play, part of the annual Wellfleet Fall Festival. The event is held on the second Saturday of September. 10K both starting at 7 a.m. at the Brady school parking lot. A softball tournament also starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday and the festival winds down with a huge community potluck at the park at noon. To find out more about Brady Days go to the Facebook page, facebook.com/ BradyDays.

races, a watermelon feed and a free dance. Another popular event in Big Red country is the Husker football free barbecue during the Husker football game on Sept. 14.

Hershey Fall Festival Hershey’s annual fall festival is the fourth weekend of August each year. The event is THINGS TO DO known for its annual parade and the brats and burgers served by the Hershey Lions Club. This year’s event will be Saturday, Aug. 24, in downtown Hershey, about 12 miles west of North Platte on Highway 30. The sixth annual car show and shine classic and hot rod car show continues to grow, after there were nearly 50 entries in 2012. The Hershey fall festival also features the 5K adventure run, which starts at 8 a.m. on Aug. 24. The annual running event changes courses each year, beginning at the Hershey School.

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Wellfleet Fall Festival

Wellfleet’s annual fall festival will be celebrating its 63rd year in 2013. THINGS TO DO This year’s theme is “Redneck Around Here” and is on Saturday, Sept. 14. The annual festival is each year on the second Saturday of September. The event will feature events such as the sheep chip bingo, sixth annual stock dog classic, second annual Wellfleet Idol competition, a mountain bike cross country ride, antique tractor pull, the annual parade, toad and turtle

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THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013

Eat lunch at one of the Lincoln Highway Diners W h e n Daniel Neff purchased Donna’s Kitchen in 2009, the THINGS TO DO young entrepreneur was determined to uphold the tradition of homecooked food, reasonable prices and friendly service. Neff changed the name to the Lincoln Highway Diner in honor of the stretch of Lincoln Highway that passes through North Platte. He later purchased the Airport Inn at North Platte Regional Airport, a long-time popular meeting place for travelers and locals that had closed it’s doors. After a sprucing up, the restaurant reopened in April 2013 as the second Lincoln Highway Diner and is once again a popular place for meetings, card groups and good food and good service.

Ride all-terrain vehicles on area THINGS TO DO trails

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Get young again at the children’s museum Located at 314 N. Jeffers St., the North Platte Area Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits intended to foster THINGS TO DO imaginations. Kids are invited to dress up and sing, dance and act on a stage. Children can grow their own vegetables and sell them at a pretend farmer’s market. They can also make crafts, sail

Take a step back in time at the Lincoln Co. Historical Museum Often referred to as one of the “gems” of North Platte, the Lincoln County Historical Museum, 2403 N. Buffalo Bill Ave., THINGS presents information in a fun and educational way. Humanities Nebraska speakers are frequent guests at the museum.

They’ve covered every topic imaginable, from the role of African-Americans in the Civil to hardships TO DO War faced during the Great Depression. The museum has been the site of Civil War re-enactments, Halloween “hauntings” and anvil blowing on

a pirate ship and fly a helicopter in the transportation world exhibit. The museum also offers a variety of educational camps and hosts presentations about everything from bats and raptors to accepting people with disabilities. The museum is a member of the Association of Children’s Museums. Its hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free for museum members and children 2 and younger. It’s $4 for children and adults who aren’t members, and $3 for senior citizens. Rooms at the attraction can also be rented out for birthday parties.

the Fourth of July. It also presents an annual Heritage Festival in conjunction with Nebraskaland Days, the official state celebration. The festival includes musical entertainment, vendor booths, an antique tractor parade, wagon rides and historical demonstrations. Even when events aren’t planned, there’s plenty to see at the museum. In addition to numerous exhibits, it has a village that includes churches, depots, school-

houses and other old buildings from around Lincoln County. Workshops are also offered on everything from rope making to butter churning. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults, $10 for families, $4 for senior citizens or people with military identification, free for kids 12 and younger and $3 for groups of 10 or more.

Indulge in retail therapy at the Platte River Mall Everything under one roof and then some — the Platte River Mall’s stores and services offer comfort, convenience and variTHINGS ety as well as a yearround calendar of events. Several stores, carrying both trendy and traditional items, continue to call the mall home year after year. They include

the Buckle, Maurices, Vanity, Herbergers, JCPenney, Hibbett Sports, Claire’s, Bath and Body Works and TO DO others. Looking for a pair of walking shoes for your journey around 69101? The mall has Payless Shoesource, Famous Footwear, and 10 additional mall stores that offer dif-

ferent kinds of footwear. Electronics, nutrition, Mexican cuisine, jewelry, bridal gowns and nail and hair salons can be found next to the boutiques and department stores. Arby’s, Nebraskaland Tire, Verizon and Aaron’s offer service and retail options on surrounding mall property. The mall also has a six-plex movie theater, Carmike Cine-

All-terrain vehicle enthusiasts can get up-close and personal with nature at the Nebraska National Forest. Located 1 mile west of Halsey along Highway 2, the attraction consists of a ponderosa pine wilderness in the middle of the Sandhills. Dan Nitzel is the cofounder of the Nebraska Off Highway Vehicle Association. He worked to get the funding and layout for 39 miles of ATV trails in the forest. A main trail takes visitors south to the Dismal River, while a few others loop around through the hills. “It’s a little bit like experiencing Colorado because of the smell of the evergreens,” he said. “The trails are easy for experienced riders, but those who are inexperienced should be careful. They need to be aware of oncoming traffic.” Nitzel said people have to take their own four-wheelers into the forest because they aren’t rented out. The vehicles are required to have spark arrestors on their exhaust pipes to help prevent fires. Nitzel recommends wearing a helmet and supervising children under the age of 16. The trails are open to the public year round, unless they have to be closed because of storms or fires. Another opportunity to ride ATVs exists at the Flatrock Riders Track 6 miles south of Sutherland on Highway 25. There’s a total of 5 miles worth of trail on four tracks. One track winds through trees and another is restricted to children. According to manager Clayton Crawford, spark arrestors are not necessary. Alcohol is prohibited, and everyone who uses the trails is asked to travel in the same direction. He said the tracks are open yearround from sunrise to sundown. Admission is a freewill donation.

mas, which provides new releases in a state-of-the-art setting. The auditoriums are equipped with digital sound and wall-to-wall, slightly curved screens. The stadium-style seating provides unobstructed views. The chairs are plush and highbacked, allowing for patron comfort. A list of showtimes can be found at www.carmike.com. As if that wasn’t enough,

something is always going on in the mall’s hallways. The facility is home to watercraft, automobile, sports card, craft and gift shows in addition to charitable fundraisers and giveaways. Mall hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. A full list of stores and services can be found at platterivermall.com.

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Admire a local artist at the Art and Gift Gallery The Art and Gift Gallery, 516 N. Dewey St., has been a part of North Platte’s downtown district since 1987. The gallery offers five

rooms of original artwork by area artists, including paintings, drawings, THINGS TO DO woodcarvings, jewelry, pottery, photography and pine needle baskets. Two rooms feature pieces created by gallery members and a third

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH hosts monthly competitive art shows, which are open to the public. The last two rooms are “show and tell” or “treasure box” galleries showcasing artwork by both members and non-members. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays from January to March, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April through December. It’s also open by appointment.

Tank the Middle Loup River

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Spend a weekend at Lake Maloney

Located approximately 6 miles south of North Platte along U.S. Highway 83, Lake Maloney provides the perfect atmosphere for camping, fish- THINGS TO DO ing, boating, swimming and jetskiing. A 132-acre campground surrounds the 1,000acre lake, which is stocked with largemouth bass, perch, walleye, catfish and crappie, among other varieties. The state recreation area consists of 56 camping pads with electrical hook-ups and 200 non-pad sites without electricity. Camping sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Showers, a dump station and multiple beaches are available, as are boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, picnic tables, grills and vault toilets. A new cabin is also open on the southeast side of the lake at 101 S. Lake Maloney Drive. The Lakeview Cabin is available for meetings, weddings, receptions, reunions or just a weekend getaway. The spacious accommodation has the capacity to host two separate groups at one time and sleeps up to 40 people. It is furnished, has bunk beds, is winterized and air conditioned and has modern bathrooms and showers. Cooking can be done both inside and out. The views of the lake are breathtaking, so visitors are encouraged to take their cameras. Reservations can be made by calling 402-558-8189. Fees vary. A listing of prices can be found at girlscoutsnebraska.org/our-camps/lakeview-cabin/.

Nothing says “country” quite like loading a bunch of friends into a stock THINGS TO DO tank and coasting down the Middle Loup River. Located a mile north of Mullen in Hooker County, the river winds its way past the most scenic part of the state — the Nebraska Sandhills. Participants are treated to a variety of sights, including native birds, deer and other wildlife. Water flow to the spring-fed river is constant and abundant. The Middle Loup rarely freezes over, which means tanking trips can be taken any time of year. Mitch and Patty Glidden, owners of Glidden Canoe Rentals, 507 SW First St. in Mullen, coordinate the tanking. Because the 7foot by 9-foot tanks are practically unsinkable, they are safe for all ages to ride in. They are capable of accommodating up to eight adults at a time. Two- and five-hour trips are available to for beginners to experienced tankers. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. Children 6 and younger will be admitted for free if they have their own life jackets. Reservations can be made by calling 308-5462206.

Gather some pals for a round of cosmic bowling

ages, including cosmic bowling. Cosmic bowling is from 9 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays. The fee is $4 per game for everyone. Normal open bowling fees are $3.50 for kids 18 and younger and Black lights, $4 per game for adults. With both fog and loud cosmic and open games, every music are charthird one is discounted. acteristic of the The newest feature is “casino scene at the bowling” on Friday nights at Cedar Bowl on THINGS TO DO which people can win money for Friday and Satbowling strikes. Dollar bowling is urday nights. Located at 1100 S. Jef- offered on Sunday nights and opfers St. in North Platte, the Cedar portunities exist to join a league Bowl offers entertainment for all and play in tournaments.

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Shoe rentals are free for kids and $1.75 for adults. Guests can eat Valentino’s Pizza while they play or select from a variety of other meals and snacks. Other options are available for those who don’t want to bowl. Video games, a nightclub and pool tables are also located in the building. Rooms are available for meetings, children’s birthday parties and other special events. Normal daytime hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays.

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Go for a swim at the pool

Get rough and rowdy with mixed martial arts

Whether you are looking for a workout, splash time, a water- THINGS TO DO slide ride or relaxation, the pool at the North Platte Recreation Center, 1300 S. McDonald Road, is the place to be. The pool’s 100-foot dome stretches four stories above a six-lane, 25yard indoor swimming pool with a 117-foot waterslide, a baby pool with a fountain, a diving area, a sauna and a hot tub. Water and air temperatures in the mid-80s, two easy access ladders and an electric chair lift ensure access and comfort to everyone. The pool is home to the local high school and U.S.S. swim teams, aquacise classes, triathlon training seminars, swim lessons, kayak polo and Special Olympics. Most of the year, it is open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1-8 p.m. on Sundays. It often stays open until 10 p.m. in the winter. Pool space, lap lanes and slide availability may be limited depending on programming needs. Daily admission is $3.50 for children, $5.50 for adults, $4.75 for senior citizens and $15 for families. Another swimming opportunity exists at the Cody Pool in Cody Park, 1402 N. Jeffers St. The pool is open every day from Memorial Day weekend through the end of August. The hours are 1-7 p.m. May through June and 1-8 p.m. July through August. Adults only are allowed to swim from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Admission is $2 for children, $2.75 for adults, $2.25 for senior citizens and $7 for families. Season passes cost $27 for anyone 4-18 years old, $39 for those 19-59, $32 for people 60 or older and $80 for families.

If an exciting, action-packed evening is what you desire, then the Wild West Arena is the place to be. Nebraskaland Days and Midwest Championship THINGS TO DO Fighting joined forces this year for what will become an annual mixed marital arts event. MMA is not for the weak of heart. The full contact sport allows fighters to use both striking and grappling techniques while standing or on the ground. MMA has been around in some form or another for centuries, but the money and media exposure put toward it in recent years has caused its popularity to grow at a phenomenal rate. Before the introduction of modern weaponry, early cultures survived by implementing forms of martial arts. Most civilizations also developed combat sports. Martial sports were developed for entertainment during peacetime and to keep warriors fit and ready for war. Midwest Championship Fighting also offers bouts at the D&N Event Center, 501 E. Walker Rd. Dates and times vary. Besides providing another entertainment option to the community, Midwest strives to educate, raise awareness about and prevent childhood obesity. It does that through a boot camp geared toward middle school students in the community. The sixweek course is designed to help kids understand basic exercise principles and to encourage them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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The Sutherland Swimming Pool, 141 W. County Road, in Sutherland is also open seven days a week. It features a waterslide, fountain and zero-entry edge. There is an adult-only swimming hour from 5-6 p.m. every day. The rest of the time, it’s open to the public from noon to 8 p.m., weather permitting. Daily prices are $5 for adults, $3

for children 3-17 and $2 for senior citizens. Admission is free for children 2 and younger who are accompanying someone 12 or older who is paying. Season passes are $50 for an individual, $75 for a family of two to four people, $105 for a family of five to seven, $20 for a senior citizen and $32.50 for a group of two to four senior citizens.

church property, directly behind the sanctuary. The maze is used as a spiritual tool for mediation. It’s believed that walking it engages people in the People searching for a peaceful process of healing and transformation. and relaxing activity to clear their Installed in 2005, it is 81 feet in diameter and conminds and rejuvenate their souls sists of a brick outline with a crushed rock path. The should look no farther than the Allabyrinth is a replica of a similar version on the floor pha Omega Labyrinth. Located at the First United THINGS TO DO of the Chartres Cathedral outside of Paris, France. The attraction is open to the public 24 hours a day, Methodist Church, 1600 West E St., the labyrinth sits at the southwest corner of the seven days a week and there’s no cost to access it.

Walk the labyrinth

Observe a piece of frontier past, THINGS TO DO still on guard

A solitary statue stands guard over a pasture about four miles south of Maxwell. Looking faded and worn, the stone soldier seems oddly detached from the place it guards — a site that once served as a beacon of hope and encouragement for early pioneers. The statue marks the site once occupied by Fort McPherson, established in 1863 to ensure peace between Native Americans and immigrants traveling through Nebraska. In addition to protecting settlers and rail-

road construction workers, soldiers at the fort also provided security for telegraph lines, stage lines and mail routes. Nothing remains of the fort but the marker for it was recently improved as part of an Eagle Scout project. The area now has a turn-off big enough for a tour bus, an iron fence that encircles the soldier and a bench among other features. There’s no cost to go out there, sit in the solitude and remember life the way it used to be.

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Become inspired by watching artists in action

The public can watch local artists create artwork and then purchase the pieces. Half of the proceeds go to the artists and the other half goes toward the creation of a Prairie Arts Center in North Platte. Live music plays throughout the Those with an night as people meander around the appreciation for lakefront property watching the artart can find talent work develop. In the past, demonstraon display at Lake THINGS TO DO tions have included watercolor paintMaloney. Every ing, pencil drawing, pottery, woodyear, the Creativity Unlimited Arts carving, collage creation, clay sculptCouncil hosts an Artists in Action ing and origami. event at the Lakehouse Bar and Grill, There’s no admission fee. Appetizers 206 W. North Lake Rd. and a cash bar are always available.

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Get your motor running at Lincoln County Raceway

grounds at 5015 Rodeo Road. The track consists of a 3/8-mile semi-banked dirt oval with a smaller oval inside it. Modifieds, stock cars, hobby stocks, sport compacts and northern sportmods can all be seen in action from May through August. The area around International Motor Contest AssociLincoln County ation rules are applied and enforced, Fairgrounds roars and IMCA national points races are ofto life four months fered. out of the year. Dates vary. Gates open at 5 p.m. and That’s because the racing starts at 7 p.m. Lincoln County THINGS TO DO Admission is $5 for children 6-12, $12 Speedway, formerly the Lincoln Coun- for adults and $30 for pit passes. Kids 5 ty Raceway, is located at the fair- and younger can attend for free.

See the original station of the ‘lightning mail’ in Gothenburg

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Pay a visit to the Mansion on the Hill in Ogallala

Completed in 1887, the Mansion on the Hill was built by L.A. Brandhoefer, a native of Pennsylvania who moved to Ogallala from North Platte in 1885 to work at the Bank of Ogallala. Today it is owned and maintained by the Keith County Historical Society as a museum and memorial to pioneer families. The Mansion and District 7 one-room schoolhouse on the corner of North Spruce and 10th Streets can be viewed during the summer months from Memorial Day until two weeks after Labor Day. Open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 1-4 p.m. on Sundays, admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children 5-12. Admission is free for children under 5. ogallalamansiononthehill.com.

Go skating in Grant The country’s first public roller rink opened in 1855 in Newport, R.I., leading the way for generations of skaters grow- THINGS TO DO ing up with the memories of “ladies choice,” “snowball” and circling around a darkened area.

Visit one of the few Pony Express stations left in the country in Gothenburg. The Macchette THINGS TO DO Sam Pony Express Station has been preserved in Ehmen Park, 40 miles east of North Platte just north of Highway 30. The Pony Express, beginning in St. Joseph, Mo., and ending in Sacramento, Calif., wound its way through Nebraska following the Platte River and the Oregon Trail. The station in Ehmen Park was used as a fur trading post and ranch house along the Oregon Trail before being converted into a Pony Express Post Office in 1860-61 during the short-lived horseback mailing service. The original post was southwest of Gothenburg and in 1931 was relocated to Ehmen Park in the middle of town. It has been open to the public since the early 1950s. The museum is free to everyone and is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in May and September.

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Six Aces Roller Rink on U.S. Highway 61 in Grant is the only operating rink in southwest Nebraska, according to owner Robin Clement, who has operated the facility for 14 years. The rink is open from 6:30-9 p.m. (MST) on Friday and Saturday nights and features skate rental and skating for $6. It is also available for private parties. Call Clement at 308-352-2160 for information.

See history at Stones and Bones Gallery Located in downtown Hershey, the Stones and Bones Gallery and Emporium is store THINGS TO DO athatunique features western and wildlife art and a premier private showing of stone-age arti-

facts from rural western Nebraska. Located at 105 E. Second St., call 308-368-7400 for more information or check out the website a stonesandbonesofnebraska.com. Operating hours are typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, but it is recommend visitors call first.

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Honor heroes at the 20th Century Veterans Memorial Honor members of all five branches of the United States Military by visiting America’s 20th Century Veterans Memorial. The monument to our veterans is located in newly renamed Veterans’ Park on the southeast corner of the Interstate 80-Higthway 83 intersection.

The memorial highlights all of the men and women who served before THINGS TO DO and during the 20th Century and those who currently serve. Each branch of the military is represented, and there are graphic depictions of all of the armed conflicts during the 20th Century. The “Walk of Honor” features more than 6,000 bricks donated to honor veterans from 43 different states and 160 different towns in

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Nebraska. Local artists, Ted Long, a Korean War Veteran, and Sandra L. Johnson, were commissioned to create the eight bronze statues on either side of the walkway. There is also a special monument at the memorial dedicated to “The Great Generation,” those people of mid-Nebraska who provided the North Platte Canteen at the North Platte Depot during World War II. The park is open to visitors year round during daylight hours. For more information about the memorial, call 308-532-6579.

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Take in a ballgame Throughout the summer months head to Centennial Park in North Platte to take in the sights and sounds of baseball and THINGS TO DO softball. Area youth participate at every level, from T-ball and Little League to American Legion ball and high school. Centennial Park in North Platte also features seven youth baseball diamonds for baseball and softball. However, that’s not the only amenity at North Platte’s largest park. There are two hard-surfaced, lighted tennis courts, 10 soccer fields, a gazebo, a shelter and a large playground area, as well as a dog park.

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Fish for crappie at Wellfleet Lake Located along Medicine Creek in the hill country near Wellfleet, 30 minutes south of North Platte in Lincoln County, sits Wellfleet Lake. The 50-acre lake is home to a plethora of native fish, most notably crappie. Anglers from across the area flock to the lake during the spring and fall months to fish for the abundant native fish. The Nebraska Game and

Parks Commission allows electric motors and non-powered on the THINGS TO DO boats lake, and primitive camping is available. Don’t forget your camera, either, as Wellfleet State Wildlife Management Area just west of the reservoir is a prime spot to bird watch as well. For more on Game and Parks fishing locations throughout Nebraska, go to their website at www.outdoornebraska.gov.

In 2012, North Platte was host to the American Softball Association Northern Nationals 16U Softball Tournament, running from July 30 through Aug. 5. The tournament will be at Dowhower Softball Complex along 16th Street west of Highway 83. Bill Wood Field is just north of Dowhower Softball Complex. Along with Dowhower Softball Complex on the north side of North Platte, across Highway 83 at Cody Park is Carpenter Softball Complex, utilized by the North Platte Sports Association. Cody Park also features eight hard-surfaced, lighted tennis courts. For more information on Centennial Park and Cody Park, and the activities that can be found there, go online to ci.northplatte.ne.us/recreation, or call the city’s Recreation Department at 308-535-6774.

Go down a waterslide at Cody Go Karts

Looking for a day of fun with the family? Try the wet park at Cody Go Karts, on Halligan Drive near the I-80 and Highway 83 intersection. Cody Go Karts Family Fun Park offers two go-kart tracks, bumper boats, hi ball,

miniature golf, three different kiddie races, a game room, three water slides, tree stump slides and concessions. Since 1981, the family fun park has offered North Platte families and visitors a fun, safe environment.

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In March, weather permitting, the dry part of the park is open on weekends at 11 a.m., and then opens at 10:30 a.m. on Memorial Day weekend seven days a week. Summer season hours end on Labor Day and the dry park stays open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends through the first or second weekend of October. The water park is open from 1-6 p.m beginning in June seven days a week and it closes on Labor Day.

big screen amid signed jerseys and photos of Huskers from the past. Fans can see autographed photos of Tom Osborne, Johnny Rogers, THINGS TO DO Mike Rozier and Scott Frost. In the 1980s, longtime Nebraska bleeds Cornhusker red, and owner and sports collector Butch Rasthere’s no better place to experience some of mussen began to put some of the Husker the rich football history than the Touch- memorabilia he’s collected over the years down Club in North Platte on Husker Satur- onto the walls of the Touchdown Club, and it has grown to amazing proportions today. days in the fall. For more information about the TouchWith memorabilia from decades of football excellence, watch a Husker game on the down Club, call 308-535-0212.

Relive the highlights of Husker football history at the Touchdown Club

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To do: Celebrate Neb.’s railroad heritage at Rail Fest By DIANE WETZEL dwetzel@nptelegraph.com

The annual Rail Fest Celebration in North Platte brings railroad fans from across the country and from around the world. For three days in September, North Platte is home to the event that celebrates the relationship between the community and the Union Pacific Railroad. Rail Fest 2013 will be Sept. 20, 21 and 22. “Rail Fest is really community centered,” said Rail Fest chairman Don Kurre. “This comes from the heart of the community. Railroad employees are involved in our town. They are part of our organizations, they spend money here and we want to say we know what you do and we appreciate it.”

48 THINGS TO DO Each year, rail fans come from all around the globe to tour Bailey Yard, the largest railroad switching yard in the world where 150 trains and 10,000 railcars are processed every day. They also enjoy the best hospitality North Platte can offer, with live music, good food, events for families and lots and lots of train stuff. Tours of the Golden Spike Tower, Visitor Center and Buffalo Bill’s Scouts Rest Ranch and the Lincoln County Historical Museum are part of the celebration, as well as a free picnic for UPRR employees and their families.

Rail Fest began as an idea to help raise money to revitalize North Platte’s north side. The Original Town Association is dedicated to preserving and improving the area on the north side of the tracks that bi-sect the city. Led by chairman Dave Harrold, the event began in 2007 and brought approximately 12,000 people. “We are seeing more people come every year,” Kurre said. “There are railroad clubs and model train clubs that make Rail Fest an annual fall excursion.” The success of Rail Fest is community recognition of just how important the UPRR and the rail industry is to the past, present and future of North Platte. While Rail Fest is about all things railroad, it is also a festival for

everyone. Family-oriented and free, the event features numerous activities for children, “We are working on strengthening what we have done in the past,” Kurre said. Popular Rail Fest events include the annual cemetery tour hosted by the North Platte Library Foundation, a fun run and walk, quilt show and the motorcycle Santa run. Local entertainers perform throughout the event and the hobo contest, fun jumps and carnival rides are always a hit with the youngsters. “We are also excited about bringing the college rodeo to Rail Fest in 2013,” Kurre said. “The Rail Fest Rodeo will be a boon to both us and North Platte Community College.” The main rail line in North Platte is the busiest rail freight corridor in the United States, processing more than 150 trains and 10,000 rail cars every 245 hours. Bailey

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Yard measures about 8 miles long and 3 miles wide. People on the tours will have the chance to see a demonstration of the mantis crane that can pick up a derailed car and place it back on the track. They will see how

railroad car wheels can be changed through a new “in-train” system that doesn’t require the cars to be separated from the train for repair. For information about Rail Fest, go to nprailfest.com.

Enjoy authentic Italian food If it’s Italian food you’re looking for, look for Bella Italia in Cozad. From authentic risotto, chicken and veal to seafood dishes and pizza, Bella Italia offers the only authentic Italian cuisine between Omaha and Denver. The restaurant also features a THINGS TO DO vast wine collection to go along with your meal and fabulous desserts. The restaurant, located at 114 W. Seventh St. in Cozad, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Reservations are required for weekends. Bella Italia also has carry out. For more information, call them at 308-784-3100.

Find your favorite hunting spot Central Nebraska is a hunter’s paradise. From big game to waterfowl, central Nebraska offers up a wide variety of THINGS TO DO hunting experiences on Nebraska Game and Parks land.

Throughout southeast Nebraska, in rural Lincoln, Keith, Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Dundy and Hitchcock counties, the Conservation Resources Program gives great public access for hunting of a wide variety of species, including deer, turkey, antelope and other waterfowl. To learn where to go, when the seasons are, learn about other regulations and to file for permits, head to outdoornebraska.ne.gov.

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Enjoy the outdoors at Potter’s Pasture A great way to enjoy the outdoors in west-central Nebraska is at Potter’s Pasture. Potter’s Pasture is a 1,400-acre, publicly accessible hiking, biking and camping area south of Brady and southeast of North Platte. The plot of

Wind down at the Lakehouse

land is home to 30 miles of bike trails and two campgrounds, maintained by volunteers THINGS TO DO with the Potter’s Pasture Bike and Recreation Club. In 2013, Potter’s Pasture will host the third annual Campfire Run, which is a part of the Platte River Fitness Series. In 2012, more

Looking for a way to wind down and relax? Head to the Lakehouse THINGS TO DO Bar and Grill, at Lake Maloney south of North Platte, for a relaxing dinner experience overlooking the lake. The Lakehouse is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and 5-9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, serving up all-American cuisine including salads, burgers, pizza, pastas and steaks. The Lakehouse also has 25 beers on tap, including Kearney’s Thunderhead Brewery beers, Stella and Honey Brown. Throughout the summer months, the Lakehouse is also a destination for live music. The Lakehouse is located on the northwest corner of Lake Maloney at 206 W. North Lake Road. For reservations, call 308-534-5315.

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than 150 people participated in the event that includes a Kids Mile Run. All proceeds from the Campfire Run are donated to the Connection Homeless Shelter in North Platte. To get to Potter’s Pasture, head south out of Brady on the BradyMoorefield Road. Two miles after the pavement ends, turn left on Jeffrey Road and 2 miles later, turn right into the campground.

Check out the Lincoln County Wildlife Gun Club

Looking for a place to hone your shooting skills?The Lincoln County Wildlife Gun Club is the perfect place to go. Located on the east side of Lake THINGS TO DO Maloney, the gun club offers skeet, trap, 5-stand and sport shooting opportunities during the summer months. Summer practice hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 5:30 p.m. until dark on Wednesdays. The club is also open at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoons except during special events. The gun club is also host to a number of special events including youth skeet shooting. To get to the gun club, turn west at the Lake Maloney entrance off of Highway 83 and go a half-mile toward the east shore of the lake. For more information, you can contact the club at 532-1694.

Pay a visit to the Lexington Antique THINGS TO DO Show

If antiques is your thing, the annual Antiques and Crafts Extravaganza in Lexington each Labor Day is the perfect place for you. Close to 200 vendors from five states put their antiques, crafts and other items on display for three full days at the Dawson County Fairgrounds in Lexington. In 2013, the show kicks off with a sneak preview from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. The show is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1. In addition, the Antique Tractor Show is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, and the Antique and Classic Car Show is Sunday. The antiques event is at the Dawson County Fairgrounds, 1000 Plum Creek Parkway, which is also known as Highway 283 and Highway 21. The fairgrounds sit 1 mile north of Interstate 80. For more information, including booth information, contact the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce at 308-324-5504 or by e-mail at julie@lexcoc.com.

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Eat with a polar bear at Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge For 80 years, Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge has been the favorite watering hole for THINGS TO DO Paxton and a destination spot for many travelers along the old Lincoln Highway (Highway 30) and now Interstate 80.

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Take in the Sandhills with the Open Road Challenge In 2013, the Sandhills Open Road Challenge will celebrate its 13th year in existence. Just one of three races of its kind in the country, the SORC’s main event is a 55-mile rally-style open road race through the Nebraska Sandhills from Arnold to Dunning on Aug. 10, 2013. Organizers have also added several events, including the Loup 2 Loup Open Road Race, a 12-mile jaunt from Halsey to Perdum on Aug. 8, which was a new event in 2012. A fan favorite is the One-Mile Shootout, just north of Cozad on Aug. 9. Following the shootout is a car show and parade in downtown Arnold. The SORC encourages the general public to attend any of the races. For more information, go to the SORC website, at sorcrace.com.

Opened at midnight on Aug. 9, 1933, the day after prohibition was ended, Ole’s Big Game Lounge offered a unique experience. For 35 years, Rosser “Ole” Herstedt traveled the world on hunting trips, bringing his trophies home and mounting them on the walls of his lounge. In the 1980s, Tim Holzfaster took over the

business from Ole and carries on the same traditions, expanding the business and opening up a restaurant side. Thus, Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge was born. One of the main attractions is the polar bear that Ole brought back in the 1960s, displayed in the lobby. People come for the atmosphere and return for

the service, Holzfaster said. Located at 123 N. Oak St. in Paxton, 30 miles west of North Platte, Ole’s opens at 7 a.m. (MST) every morning and serves until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, Ole’s stops serving 9 p.m. Breakfast is served from 7-10 a.m. and the main dining area opens at 10 a.m. every day. For more information, contact 308-239-4500.

Experience music and the Wild West at Fort Cody Trading Post

Visit the historic gas station at Sutherland

To get the essence of North Platte’s history, visit the Buffalo Bill’s Miniature Wild West Show at the Fort Cody Trading Post, on the northeast corner of the In- THINGS TO DO terstate 80 and Highway 83 intersection. The Wild West Show is on display year round at the Fort Cody Trading Post and the Old West Museum, which features items from throughout the American West, from artifacts from the Indian Wars to American Indian artifacts and authentic saddles from the old west. The miniature Wild West Show features 20,000 handcarved figures and is one of the largest displays of folk art in the county. In operation since 1963, the Fort Cody Trading Post has helped to preserve North Platte’s role in the great history of the American West. The trading post was originally located along U.S. Highway 30, and moved to its current location next to the interstate in 1968. The Fort Cody Trading Post also has souvenirs and gifts for travelers, including old western wear and history books in Nebraska’s largest souvenir and western gift store. During the summer, the trading post is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week. During the winter months, from Labor Day to Memorial Day, the post is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. Sunday hours are noon to 5:30 p.m. during the winter months. Fort Cody also hosts a music series each summer on Thursday nights, showcasing local and national acts as they pass through North Platte. This year features Jefferson Fox with Sonie

The 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Highway has been celebrated through- THINGS TO DO out 2013. Now known as Highway 30 in Nebraska, many communities across the state have put together celebrations. In Sutherland, residents spruced up downtown, including an old service station on the west side of the small community west of North Platte. The Frontier service station, 1421 W. First St. in Sutherland, is a historic gas station along the Lincoln Highway route. The building had been abandoned and was deteriorating, out of operation for more than 50 years, until recently. In 2011, the community received a grant from the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau to begin fixing up the station and turn it into a snapshot of what it was like driving cross country before the freeway. The restoration process was completed earlier this year, and though visitors won’t be able to go inside the old station, they will be able to stop and take photos.

Honor the fallen at Fort McPherson National Cemetery

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Kuhlman on July 25, The Littlest Birds with Blue Swing on Aug. 1 and Word of Mouth with PorterHouse on Aug. 8. Previous acts have included Daniel Christian, Doug Rees with Brad Godrey and Cece Otto. The shows begin at 6 p.m., with the local opening act and the headliner taking the stage at 7 p.m. Food and drinks are available at each concert. Tickets are $5 per show, or $20 for a season pass. Tickets are available at Fort Cody Trading Post, the Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau, Kittle’s Music and Bible Supplies.

medals during the Indian Campaigns, and Pvt. Fst. Cls. James M. Fous, who received his medal in Vietnam. Ten years earlier, Fort was built near the THINGS TO DO McPherson Platte River, south of presentFort McPherson National Cemetery was day Maxwell to help ensure peace between dedicated in 1873 and is the final resting American Indian tribes and settlers travelplace of four Medal of Honor recipients: ing along the Oregon Trail. Pvt. Daniel A. Miller, Sgt. Emanuel Stance Shortly after, a small cemetery was estaband Sgt. George Jordan, who received their lished and later moved south of the fort to

its current location. Fort McPherson is also the resting place of 63 Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry. The soldiers were originally buried at Fort Robinson and relocated to Fort McPherson in 1947 when Fort Robinson was deactivated. The cemetery lodge was built in 1876 at its current location, on the west side of Nebraska Highway 56A Spur, 2 miles south of the Interstate 80 interchange, exit 190.

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Put the pieces together in a jigsaw puzzle tournament On the last Saturday in January each year, puzzle fans get together for the annual jigsaw puzzle tournament sponsored by the North Platte Library Foundation. THINGS TO DO “It all started with a couple of our staff members who loved puzzles,” said library director Cecelia Lawrence. “They challenged each other. We found out that lots of people who enjoy puzzles pride themselves on putting them together fast.” The 2013 tournament at Bethel Evangelical Free Church drew 66 teams competing in five divisions. The tournament generates between $5,000 and $7,000 for the library, Lawrence said. Each team in each division competes to see who can complete their puzzle first, or who had the greatest percentage of the puzzle done by the 5 p.m. deadline.

5 things to do in the spring

Watch the flight of Sandhill cranes The annual migration of North America’s Sandhill crane population on the cenTHINGS TO DO tral Platte River in March attracts birders from around the world. While not as well known, the staging of smaller populations of cranes in the North Platte area provide excellent opportunities to watch the antics of the cranes. An estimated 160,000 cranes use the river valley between North Platte

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Watch the Curtis Easter Pageant

Listen to music at the Country Bluegrass Festival

Celebrate the Easter Season in Nebraska’s Easter City. The annual E a s t e r THINGS TO DO Pageant in Curtis takes place every Palm Sunday at 3 p.m. in the gymnasium at Medicine Valley High School. A series of “Living Pictures” accompanied by live music provided by a volunteer choir depict the final week of Christ’s life. Attendance is free but donations are accepted to help defray the costs of producing the pageant, which has taken place every year since 1958.

Known for bringing in some of the best bluegrass performers in the county, the annual Country Bluegrass Festival in North Platte provides a mark-your-calendar event every spring. The 2012 show featured The Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, with brothers Tommy, Robbie and Jonny Mizzone making their Nebraska debut. Each year, popular regional bands perform in the showcase, hoping to break into

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the festival line up. Competing for cash prizes and the chance to win fans and promoters, the winning band is invited to join the country’s best at the festival the following year. Established in 2000, the Country Bluegrass Festival has grown, drawing visitors from all across the country to hear some of the finest toetappin’ tunes performed by the country’s top bluegrass performers. The

and Sutherland. The viewing blind at Buffalo Bill Historical Park is a renovated horse trailer with Plexiglas windows and seats and it is free to the public. It’s available on a first-come, first-served basis. The blind rests in a native grass meadow the cranes use for roosting. Another viewing option is to drive along North River Drive. The cranes typically arrive in late February and remain until April. Depending on the weather, the cranes will begin leaving their overnight roost along the river channel before sunrise and move into feeding areas such as hay meadows, pastures and harvested cornfields.

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Honor Academic All-Stars

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three-day event draws audiences back year after year for the music and Midwestern hospitality. All concerts are indoors and camping and showers are available. A complete schedule and ticket information is available on the website, countryblueg r a s s s h o w. h o m e stead.com. For more information, call Donna at 308-530-0452 or email wwbluegrass@ charter.net.

Outstanding high school seniors are honored each spring as Academic All-Stars. Area principals nominate promising candidates for the THINGS TO DO honor. Sponsored by the North Platte Telegraph, the North Platte Chamber and Development Corporation and North Platte Community College, the All-Stars are recognized for their academic achievements and extra-curricular activities. North Platte attorney Katherine Hall was the featured speaker for the Academic All-Stars in 2013. Hall reminded the students of the effort and sacrifice on the part of their parents to get them to this point in their lives and urged them to take those lessons into the next chapter of their lives. “Up to now, you have had a lot of help,” she said. “You have the smarts to make good decisions. Strive to be the most prepared person in the room, whatever that room may be.”

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5 things to do in the summer Kick up your heels during Nebraskaland Days Come celebrate Nebraska’s heritage during Nebraskaland Days, a two-week annual celebration in North Platte. From meals hosted by various organizations throughout THINGS TO DO the community to concerts and parades, there are events for everyone to enjoy. The celebration kicks off in earnest with the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, a four-night event that traces its roots back to the Old Glory Blowout hosted by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody on July 4, 1882. Sponsored by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the rodeo is one of the top events in the nation on the rodeo circuit. During the event, Miss Rodeo Nebraska is crowned. The second weekend of Nebraskaland Days brings in top concert acts at Wild West Arena. In 2013, Nebraskaland Days hosted to Kid Rock and Halestorm, two of the top touring acts in the nation. Nebraskaland Days has also hosted to Toby Keith and Daughtry.

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See a movie in the park

A great and free way to enjoy the outdoors with THINGS TO DO your family in North Platte is to see a movie in the park, a new event in 2012. The North Platte Recreation Department purchased a 16-foot

Attend the Lincoln County Fair

blow-up screen, complete with a sound system, with the help of the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau and the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation and began showing movies in the park. After showing three movies around the community in 2012, the recreation department expanded the program to four movies in 2013, all in Cody Park at the softball fields. Organizer

Marilee Hyde said that it brings in 300 to 350 people each showing and many people will bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. The Cody Park concession stand is also open during the showings, which start at dusk. Left on the schedule this year are “Blind Side” on Aug. 10 and “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” on Sept. 20. Other movies already shown were “Wreck It Ralph” and “Hotel Transylvania.”

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Take part in a parade

Thousands of people flock to downtown North Platte on THINGS the second Saturday of Nebraskaland Days for the annual parade. In 2013, Nebraskaland Days celebrated the 50th annual parade, which starts on East Fourth Street near Memorial Park — a popular place to watch the parade with its shady trees — and travels down Fourth Street to

Listen to the North Platte Municipal Band in the park

The Lincoln County Fair reTHINGS TO DO turns to North Platte July 24-29. This year, a refurbished hog barn structure will make its debut at the fair, as the Farm Bureau Ag Land, which will feature games and educational activities for kids. “I hope to see a lot of kids come out and try to get some interest in agriculture,” said fair manager Ericka Albrecht of the new fair feature. “We’re going to be teaching them about the importance of agriculture.” Highlighted events include an exotic animal show, a demolition derby and the 2013 Lincoln County Fair Race. Also at this year’s fair will be a Chamber mixer at 5 p.m., Friday, July 26, and the Casey Donahew Band performing on the evening of Saturday, July 27. For more information visit lincofair.com.

Jeffers and then over the viaduct to 12th Street. H o w e v e r, that’s not the only parade to see during Nebraskaland Days. The AnTO DO tique Car Parade is the first Saturday of Nebraskaland Days and the traditional Nebraskaland Days Kids Costume parade, sponsored by the North Platte Chamber Hostesses, which was at Westfield Shopping Center in 2012. For more on Nebraskaland Days events, go to www.nebraskalanddays. com.

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Experience a 100-plus year old tradition by attending a concert by the North Platte Municipal THINGS TO DO Band. Filled with local talented musicians, the North Platte Municipal Band plays on most Friday nights during the summer months at various parks throughout North Platte. The band plays in Cody Park, at the Lincoln County Historical Museum and in Memorial Park and Centennial Park each June and July. For more information, contact David Thelen, band director, by calling 308-532-4764 or 308-520-0147.

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To do: Attend a local scholarship pageant The Miss Nebraska Pageant North Platte has been the home of the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Pageant for nearly 30 years. Each June, contest winners from across the state gather in North Platte for a week of activities, three nights of competition and glamour. THINGS TO DO In 2013, JaCee Pilkington took the crown and will compete in the Miss America Pageant in September 2013. Pilkington, who blew away the judges and audiences with her vocal talent, performed “How Great Thou Art” on her way to the title. Recent Nebraska pageant winners have done well at the national contest. Miss Nebraska 2009 Brittany Jeffers placed in the top seven at Miss America, at the time the highest Nebraska finish. In 2011, Miss Nebraska 2010 Teresa Scanlan won the national title. At 17, Scanlan was the youngest winner since Miss America instituted age limits in the 1930s. Today Scanlan is a student at Patrick Henry College in Virginia and raises money for her mission work at an orphanage in Haiti. She returns to North Platte each year to host the state contest. Miss Nebraska 2011 Kayla Batt was voted Miss Congeniality at the 2012 national contest and was a non-finalist talent winner. North Platte is also home to the Miss Nebraska Outstanding Teen Competition, which takes place alongside of the Miss Nebraska contest. Samantha Washington is the current reigning Miss Nebraska Outstanding Teen. For information on dates and tickets, go to missnebraska.org.

The Miss Rodeo Neb. Pageant

Things to do in the autumn Go to Kids Discover Kids Discover is a child’s paradise. Every year in October, the North Platte Telegraph, with the help of many com- THINGS TO DO munity sponsors, hosts Kids Discover, a free event where kids can have fun and learn at the same time. The purpose of Kids Discover is to give families something to do that is both entertaining and educational. For one Saturday every year, children can get their pictures taken with a famous cartoon character such as Dora the Ex-

plorer, who appeared in 2011. Kids can meet Herbie Husker, the Kool-Aid man or Spike from the Golden Spike Tower. They can get their faces painted or play paintball. In the past, the National Weather Service has had a booth to teach kids about storm safety, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has taken animal pelts for children to touch. Fun Jumpz inflatables, a tour of military vehicles and demonstrations about seatbelt safety have all been a part of the festivities. The event takes place at the North Platte Community College south campus, 601 W. State Farm Road, on the south side of Interstate 80.

Honor a Woman of Achievement Each year the North Platte Telegraph and NebraskaLand National Bank team up to recognize women in the community who have made significant contributions in the areas of business, arts, education, government, social services, youth and medicine. DO This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 25 at the Quality Inn and Suites.

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and interviews with the judges are closed to the public. However, people can watch the style show, speech and horsemanship competitions and coronation. The reigning Miss Rodeo America and TO DO state queens from across the U.S. make an appearance at the pageant every year. It’s one of their favorite stops because it so closely mimics the national competition. Thousands of dollars in scholarship money, a saddle, belt buckles, a crown and beauty products are given away as prizes. A winner is crowned at the end of the pageant during the Buffalo Bill Rodeo at the Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave., North Platte.

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The Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant is scheduled in c o n j u n c t i o n THINGS with the Nebraskaland Days celebration in North Platte every June. It’s open to women ages 19 to 26 and is a qualifying contest for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas. The ladies spend a grueling week competing in the categories of horsemanship, personality, speech and appearance for the chance to travel the nation promoting Nebraska, rodeo and the western lifestyle. A written test segment

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Things to do in the winter Get into the holiday spirit with the Carousel of Homes Every year around the holidays, some of North Platte’s most beautiful homes are opened to the public. The North Platte Community Playhouse Guild sponsors the Carousel of Homes Tour. All proceeds go toward renovations at the historic Neville Center. Among other things, the money has been used to construct handicap-accessible bathrooms, install air condition-

ing, signs and a sound system and purchase table and chairs for the Patty Birge Room. THINGS TO DO People meet at the playhouse, 301 E. Fifth St. There, they are given maps to the various houses, which are decorated in a variety of holiday splendor. All the properties have unique themes and collectibles such as Santas, reindeer, snowmen, gingerbread men and western items. Participants drive their own vehicles to the locations then meet back at the playhouse for cookies and hot cider.

Drive by the winning houses in the Yuletide Yard competition

Sponsored by Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful and Eagle Radio, the Yuletide Yard contest selects a win- THINGS TO DO ning home that celebrates the holiday season in each of the city’s four wards and one within 10 miles of the city limits. Nomination forms are available at www.keepnorthplattebeautiful.org. Winning entries in the contest are featured during the North Platte Recreational Center’s Tour of Lights in December. Admission to the tour is a paper product, such as paper towels or toilet paper. Items are donated to the Rape and Domestic Abuse Program for its safe house.

Celebrate Christmas with the Codys

The house and barn are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday the rest of the year. Buffalo Bill’s Christmas at the Codys celebrates an Ranch, also known 1880s-style holiday each December with as Scouts Rest period re-enactors, roasting chestnuts, Ranch, was built caroling and horse-drawn carriage during the time of rides. Inside the mansion are 18 decoWilliam F. Cody’s THINGS TO DO rated Christmas trees, including the Wild West Show and Armed Services Honor tree. Inside the no expense was spared in the building barn is a large lighted tree where visiand furnishing of the ranch. tors may make their own decorations. Buffalo Bill State Historical Park is Christmas at the Codys began in 1997 right next door to the Buffalo Bill State and is a long-time holiday tradition. The Recreation Area. dates for the 2013 event are Dec. 20-23.

Experience Cody Park Winter Wonderland and take a hayride

It’s like peeking into the festivities at the North Pole when THINGS TO DO visitors drive through Cody Park around Christmas time. North Platte City Parks Director Lyle Minshull said the 2012 Cody Park Winter Wonderland was larger than ever. “We had the Islands of Misfits last year,” he said of the park’s signature holiday season event, which includes hayrides originating from Santa’s Workshop. The event takes place during the month of December, with the concession stand open 2-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and the display is set up Christmas Day through New Year’s Eve.

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Enjoy historic attractions in Cody Park

being served a bit better.” The animal exhibits at the park include several species of waterfowl, deer, elk and bison, the latter of which arrived just THINGS TO DO two years ago. Animal lovers of all ages can feed these furry With origins dating back to the friends. 1880s, Cody Park sits on North PlatRecreation lovers can take advante’s north side along the North Platte tage of softball fields, tennis, courts, River. playgrounds and a disc golf course, It was the originally the location of which was added in 2006. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and at On the southeast corner of the one time included a horse racing park is the Union Pacific exhibit, track that is now the park’s large cen- which features vintage steam enterpiece pond. gines, passenger cars and a caboose. Expansions to the park over the One of these is the UP Challenger No. years included the large picnic shel- 3977, one of the largest steam engines ter built in 1939 as a National Youth ever built. It was completed in 1943 Administration project, and the and used for freight and passenger amusement rides added in the 1950s. service. Retired in 1961, it is the only Lyle Minshull, city parks director one of its type on display anywhere for North Platte, is pleased with all of in the world. the improvements that have been “The steam engine was just remade to the Cody Park concession painted in the spring,” Minshull said. stand, which was added to the park in For more information visit them at 2009. www.ci.north-platte.ne.us/recre“We’re tickled,” Minshull said. ation/parks/cody.asp or contact the “We’re glad that the customers are city parks department at 308-535-6706.

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Attend Arts In The Park in Cody Park It’s been 40 years since crafters first began gathering at Cody Park, 1402 N. Jeffers St., to sell their wares. Since then, the annual Arts In The Park event has expanded to include

three shows: one in the spring, one in the fall and one before Christmas. People sell everything from THINGS TO DO h o m e m a d e wreaths, quilts and jellies to candles, jewelry and carefully crafted wooden furniture. A variety of merchandise

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from home-based businesses is also available, as are concession stands selling ice cream, barbecued beef sandwiches and kettle corn. While parents shop, kids can ride the rides, have their faces painted, bounce on Fun Jumpz or snag a balloon animal. The entire event is open to the public. It is moved inside when the weather is bad.

Re-live the past at the annual Cemetery Tour Each year at the North Platte Cemetery, along Rodeo Road, local actors help relive the past with first-hand accounts of historical figures from THINGS TO DO around North Platte. In 2013, during Rail Fest in September, the North Platte Public Library Foundation will present “Evil Obsession,” focusing on the story of Annie Cook. The first cemetery tour was in 2006, sponsored by the Creative Arts Council. It focused on numerous murder mysteries in the history of North Platte. The library picked up sponsorship of the event in 2007 and has presented “Ghosts of the Union Pacific Railroad,” “If these Walls Could Talk,” “Little Chicago” and Civil War-themed events in the years since. For more information on the cemetery tours, contact the library at 308-535-8036.

Become a master gardener

learn about a variety of topics in horticulture from UNL faculty,” said district educator David Lott. “The Extension Master Gardener program here is comprised of a variety of citiTHINGS TO DO zens from different backgrounds and interests in horticulture who like to learn and share their knowledge with The Extension Master Gardener pro- others.” gram is administered by the UniversiProgram classes in North Platte ty of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. start in the fall and continue into the “Each year is a new opportunity to early spring. Volunteer educational

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service hours can be accumulated throughout the calendar year. The cost for the first year in the Extension Master Gardener program is $150. This fee covers the Master Gardner manuals, state dues and an Extension Master Gardener shirt. Ater their first year the fee drops to $20 to cover state dues and copying expenses. For more information, contact Lott at 308-696-6781 or email david.lott@unl.edu.

Attend a wine tasting Who says you have to go all the way to California or upstate New York to try some great wine? There are THINGS TO DO no less than four vineyards within a relatively short drive from North Platte. ■ Feather River Vineyard is right here in North Platte. Located at 5700 E. State Farm Road, it is owned by Jeff and Connie Brittan and Kurt and Jeanne Piper. One of the state’s largest vineyards, its 37 acres offers grape varieties such as Edelweiss, Seyval, Reisling, LaCrosse, St. Pipen, Marechol Foch, St. Croix and Marguette. ■ Down the road a bit in Lexington, Mac’s Creek Winery and Vineyard will celebrate its 2013 harvest on Sept. 27. The first planting season was in 2000 and it now extends 12 acres along Spring Creek and uses 10 different types of grapes to produce its red and white varietals. Located on US Highway 21 about a half-mile north of Lexington, Mac’s Creek can be reached at 308-324-0440 or online at www.macscreekvineyards.com. ■ The Wach brothers — Herman Julius, Friedrich Wilhem and Otto Rudolph — were the 19th century inspiration of 3 Brothers Vineyard and Winery in Farham, located just north of Highway 23 off Main Street. Founded in 2002 by Gary Wach, grandson of Friedrich, it began as a hobby with just three varieties. Now it is home to 10 different grape vines, both red and white. For more information about 3 Brothers, visit 3brothersvineyard.com ■ Finally, Paxton is home to 5 Trails Winery. Located just north of I-80 at Paxton off the 145 exit, 5 Trails was founded by John Gamet. The winery and tasting room offers a number of varieties and specialty wines, notably their Orchard Series that includes two delicious apple wines. Learn more about this longtime Paxton treasure at 5trailswinery.com.

101 THINGS TO DO we hope to add more Attend a family waterfront day at Maranatha anticipate, weeks each year.” 20 SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013

This summer, Maranatha Bible Camp in Maxwell will offer two new day camps. WaterWeek is July 22, 24 and 26 with Science and Space Week July 29, July 31, and Aug. 2. The pro-

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grams are open to students in grades 1-6. “We offer transportation to and from North Platte,” said Maranantha spokeswoman Erica Lorenz. “If they take off like we

Discover farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market

Look at the Community Unity Tile Sculptures around North Platte

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as a major factor in the camp’s development, directly resulting in the creation of Lake Maranatha. Today, the camp offers programs for youth, families and adults. For more information contact them at 308-582-4513 or visit maranathacamp.org.

will be on sale from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays at Parkade Plaza, Sixth and Dewey, 4-6 p.m. on Thursdays, at Platte River Mall from 7:30 -12:30 p.m. THINGS TO DO and on Saturdays at Parkade This year’s Farmers Market runs into Plaza. For more information, visit the webOctober. Fresh produce from area farmers site at northplattefarmersmarket.com.

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Five sculptures are located at five different locations around North Platte: at Centennial Park, Cody Park, Memorial Park and Iron Horse Park as well as next to the Lincoln County Courthouse. These 8-foot sculptures are made from hand painted tiles and were created by members of the North Platte Community.

Located at 16800 E. Maranatha Road south of Maxwell, Maranatha Bible Camp first opened June 6-13, 1938, on a farm. Over the years the camp grew, with the building of Interstate 80

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Go fly a kite at the annual Kite Flight

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Watch a play at the Neville Center for the Performing Arts Built in 1929 by Keith Neville, a former governor of Nebraska, the Fox Theater was designed by Frederick A. Hen- THINGS TO DO ninger of Omaha, according to the website Cinematreasures.org. It was donated to the North Platte Community Playouse in 1980 by Neville’s four daughters, and renovated through public donations and volunteer labor. The Fox sign and marquee remain, and the building incorporates elements from various architectural styles. As the Neville Center for the Performing Arts, it is used for stage productions, lectures, concerts and special events. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Upcoming theater productions for 2013-2014 season include “Noises Off,” “Almost Maine,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Annie.” To learn more, contact the Playhouse at 308-532-8559 or visit northplattecommunityplayhouse.com.

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The town of Callaway, located about 35 miles north of Gothenburg, is the home to the annual Kite Flight, now in its 22nd year. The American Kite Association-sanctioned event has drawn kite flyers and fans from 27 U.S. states and 21 countries.

The 2013 Kite Flight will take place on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 in Foster Smith’s field, 4 miles southeast of Callaway. The event has been named by USA Today as a Top 10 Flying site in the U.S. Cost is $2 per person per

day to fly a kite or watch professional kite flyers fill the sky with large and colorful kites. For information about the flight and directions to Callaway, go to callawaykiteflight.com.

Walk your dog at the bark park

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Run by the city parks department, North Platte is home to a pair of bark parks dedicated to everyone’s four-legged friends. Waggin’ Tails bark park is part of Centennial Park in the southwest part of town and Happy Hound was recently added on West 18th Street, north of Bellwood Field. The parks are both open dawn to dusk year round. “There are puppies and people there every day,” said Lyle Minshull, city parks director. For more information, contact the parks department at 535-6706.

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Experience early Native THINGS TO DO American life

The focal point of the Dancing Leaf Cultural Learning Center in Wellfleet is an earthen lodge, representing Native American culture from 1,300 years ago. “We teach that culture, when they were prehistoric Pawnee who were peaceful farmers,” said center co-owner Jan Hosick, who added that the museum is also the home to world-class fossils. The center also offers, with all events done by reservation, cabins for rent, RV and tenting space, canoeing, plant tours and buffalo stew meals. For more information contact the center at 308-963-4233.

101 THINGS TO DO Visit the Champion water-powered mill Located on the Frenchman River, this is likely the last such mill in Nebraska, according to the Nebraska State Historical Society website. Its construction began in the fall of 1886 THINGS TO DO and it went into operation two years later. It was largely destroyed by fire in 1890 but was soon rebuilt. It is named after Champion Chase, Nebraska’s first attorney general, and is located on state Route 106, at Marker 43, west of Imperial, in Chase County. As of July 1, the state transferred the mill to Chase County, which will now be responsible for its upkeep. For more information contact Billie Muehlenkamp at 308-882-7520 or Kristy Eskew at 308-882-5948 or visit www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/markers/texts/champion_water-powered_mill.htm.

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Go back to the golden days of the ’50s at the Pink Poodle

Connie Bible, owner of the Pink Poodle, says the ’50sstyle eatery has recently branched out to new types of THINGS TO DO burgers, such as the egg hamburger that includes eggs and hash browns and the Irishman. “We’ve had people from all over the U.S.,” Bible said. “We served all the Miss Nebraska judges and they had a wonderful time.” Bible said she is planning for more signage at the diner, as well as new picnic tables. The Pink Poodle is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and is located at 111 W. Second St.

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Get in shape, run a race

Visit Chef Lalanne at the Canteen

The Platte River Fitness Series is a series of 21 local road races, triathlons and adventure events. It brings together several private and public partnerships and is designed to “create a culture of physical activity and healthy recreation,” according to the series’ website. Upcoming events this summer include the Upstage Downtown Fun 5K on Aug. 3, and the Hershey Fall Festival 5K Adventure Race, on Aug. 24. For more information, visit Platte River Fitness online at www.platteriverfitness.com.

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Chef Chuck Lalanne at the Canteen Bar and Grill in North Platte said in addition to new paint and artwork at the Canteen, there are plans to change the menus. “We usually look at 10 or 15 items and either take them off or change them,” Lalanne said. “We try and do that a bit more seasonally so the next one will probably be in the fall.” Lalanne said the Canteen’s drink menus change every two to three weeks. “We’re always offering new wines and beers on tap from Nebraska and other places,” he said. Located inside the Quality In at 2102 S. Jeffers, the Canteen is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, 5-10 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 5-9 p.m. on Sundays. And when you go, be sure to say hi to Chuck.

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Camp at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area

Is the outdoors your thing? Sutherland Reservoir State THINGS TO DO Recreation Area has boating, fishing, picnic tables and grills,

a swimming beach and primitive camping. Located on Highway 25 four miles south of Interstate 80, Sutherland Reservoir is open year round, but ice fisherman are cautioned about heat discharged from the nearby Gerald Gentleman Power Plant. Located near the park but not affiliated with it is the nine-hole Oregon Trail Golf Course. For more information contact Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at 308535-8025 or visit www.ngpc.state.ne.us.

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Visit the military display in Lexington This year, the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles in Lexington has a new 12-foot model of an F-15 fighter plane, as well as a vintage Minneapolis Moline Tractor and Mower. “There were about 500 of them built for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” said museum director Gary Gifford of the new tractor/mower. The museum, which currently has about 60 vehicles inside its building and another 30 outside dating from World War I to the present, obtains new vehicles all the time. Located at 606 Heartland Road in Lexington, just off Interstate 80, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum accepts freewill donations. For more information, contact the office at 308-324-6329.

Visit the North Platte Public Library This may be the Internet age, but the library is still a great place. With the summer reading program winding down, the library is gearing up for August and September.

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Adopt a new pet Summer is the busiest time for the North Platte Animal Shelter. “We have tons of strays in the summertime,” said Carrie Ross, spokeswoman for the shelter. Often, area residents don’t claim their strays and after three days at the shelter, they legally belong to the shelter and go up for adoption. To learn how to adopt a pet, contact the shelter at 308-535-6780 or visit 1402

“August is a great time for parents to make sure their children have their library cards up to date so they are ready to go back to school,” said Library Director Cecelia Lawrence. The library is now on Facebook, and in September programs such as Story Time, Wee Read, Teen Café and various computer classes are set to get started. In addition, the library will undergo an exterior beautification project in the coming months, which will involve updates to the

N. Sycamore St. The shelter is open 1-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 am THINGS TO DO to 1 pm on Saturday. For cats, adoption is $20 in cash, dogs are $30 in cash, and any animal six months or older has to be spayed or neutered before it leaves the shelter, which can be done through local veterinarians by appointment.

exterior lighting and the addition of EFIS Styrofoam to the structure. This project will be paid for by the Friends of the Library. Located at 120 W. Fourth Street, the library’s summer hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday, and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit the library online at www.ci.north-platte.ne.us/library or call 308-535-8036. You can also browse their catalog at catalog.ci.north-platte.ne.us.

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Attend a youth sports event

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could show up showed up.” Berglund added that the Rec Center now offers a preschool youth soccer clinic that takes place over the sumNorth Platte city recremer. THINGS TO DO ation leader Gerry Berglund “I think that helps a lot,” says the youth soccer program at the Berglund said. Rec Center is going strong. For more information about the soc“This year we had close to 40 kids cer and other youth sports programs, signed up,” Berglund said. “Those who contact the Rec Center at 308-535-6772.

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013

Walk an hour at Relay for Life

“Think Big” is the theme of the 2013 Relay For Life, with this year’s North Platte event returning to Adams Middle School. Relay for Life events are held across the nation to THINGS TO DO raise money for the American Cancer Society. North Platte’s Relay for Live runs from 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Aug. 3. A new feature for this year will be a Survivor Dinner. “Our goal this year is $60,000,” said event co-coordinator Kim House, adding that last year’s Relay raised almost $80,000. For more information, contact House at 308-539-7676.

101 THINGS TO DO

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Photo courtesy of Brandi McCarthy

Pump up your jam — join your local roller derby team The Heartland Hellcats, North Platte’s own roller derby team, is seeking skaters, referees, non-skating officials and more to be part of the area’s most exciting new sport. If you’re looking for a way to stay in shape, learn new skills, be part of a great team of athletes and volunteer in your community, roller derby is the activity for you. And don’t worry, gentlemen — both men and women are welcome to join the team as referees and bout officials. Women’s flat-track rollers derby is a fastpaced contact sport with a DIY spirit. It’s NOT the

100 THINGS TO DO same “performance entertainment” that you might remember from TV in the 1970s — today’s Derby Girls are real athletes, competing in real events. Roller derby is all about hard work, a sense of fun, and dedication to community service. The Heartland Hellcats don’t just skate — they also participate in volunteer work to help good causes and strengthen the bonds of their community.

A little Derby 101: Roller derby teams compete in contests called “bouts.” Gameplay consists of a series of short matchups (called “jams”) in which both teams designate a scoring player (the “jammer”) who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. Teams attempt to assist their own jammer whilst hindering the opposing jammer — playing both offense and defense simultaneously. Women’s roller derby is played by more than 1,200 amateur leagues worldwide — including many in the state of Nebraska. To get involved, visit

the Heartland Hellcats Facebook page at facebook.com/heartlandhellcatsderby, or email heartlandhellcats@gmail.com.

The Telegraph hopes to be your guide to navigating the winter, the spring, the summer and fall, each and every year. Here you will find a calendar of events on page A3. Upcoming concerts, meetings, exhibits, birthday parties, weddings and more are listed on the lifestyles page. We offer coverage of community get-togethers like Hershey Fall Festival and Rail Fest on our front page so you can find out what you might have missed, even if you were there. Our opinion page includes detailed analysis of issues concerning North Platte and the surrounding area, and our columnists will give another per-

spective on politics, culture, sports, religion and other important topics of discussion. Along with our hardy work in putting together a quality newspaper for you, we welcome the community to take part by submitting news tips to (308) 532-6000 or our managing editor Job Vigil through his email at job.vigil@np telegraph.com. We also invite local photographers to send us their photos for use on our weather page by emailing Chris Linn at clinn@nptele g raph .com. So never fear, residents of 69101. There’s always something to do as long as you keep up with the Telegraph.