come and explore. LET’S

PLAN A ROAD TRIP!

Nebraska

ERIN HANSON: COLOR ON THE VINE THROUGH November 5 at the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City. Erin Hanson explored wine country landscapes across America for this collection emphasizing its pastoral beauty. Hanson’s Open Impressionism technique emphasizes the vibrant colors, textures, and rhythms of light and shadow found in the outdoors. Her oil paintings in this collection evoke the emotion one feels when standing outdoors, gazing over rows of vines, and sipping a glass of liquid sunshine. —bonecreek.org

CRAWFORD ROCK SWAP September 1—4 at Crawford City Park in Crawford. Rockhounds of all ages enjoy trading their finds with the many vendors who participate in the swap, and daily field trips allow new and experienced rockhounds to add to their collections. The event also includes an auction, hot dog feed, and the annual Fairborn Agate Collectors Gathering. 308.432.3006 —discovernwnebraska.com

WAUSA LABOR DAY September 1—3 in Wausa Wausa’s annual Labor Day celebration will feature something for everyone in the family. Notable events include a car show, volleyball, cornhole tournaments, and so much more over the course of this three-day festival. 402.586.2311

—wausane.com

PLATTSMOUTH HARVEST FESTIVAL September 7—10 on Historic Main Street in Plattsmouth Entering its 92nd year, the Plattsmouth Harvest Festival is the oldest continuous harvest festival in Nebraska. This family event features music and entertainment, parades, contests, a free community picnic, and so much more. —plattsmouthharvestfestival.com

Sept

RYANHOOD - BLUEGRASS DUO

SEPTEMBER 8—10 at Brownville Concert Hall in Brownville Acoustic-duo Ryanhood got their first break more than a decade ago as street performers at Boston’s Quincy Market. Their shows are driven by strong acoustic guitar performances that are, at times, energetic, hopeful, and quietly moving. 402.825.3331 —brownvilleconcertseries.com

MAKE LINCOLN 2023 September 9 at Turbine Flats Project in Lincoln Make Lincoln 2023 is a day filled with hands-on workshops, demonstrations and exhibits showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of the city. Guests cam explore exciting projects in fields like robotics, woodworking, electronics, textiles, 3D printing and more.

—Lincoln.org/event/make-lincoln-2023

NATIONAL AVOCADO LAUNCHING CHAMPIONSHIP September 9 at Wild West Arena in North Platte Teams of three will compete to score the most points by launching avocados at targets using slingshots, water balloon launchers, resistance bands, bulging muscles- basically, any launcher that is human powered. Top four finishers will earn prize money. 308.532.4729

—avocadolaunching.com

LAST BLAST TRIATHLON September 10 at Branched Oak Lake in Raymond

There are two opportunities to get active and participate in the Last Blast Triathlon. The Adult Long Distance Race consists of a 1.5 K swim, 26.5 mile bike and a 10 K run. Alternatively, there is the Adult and Junior Sprint Race consisting of a 0.75K swim, 15 mile bike ride and 5 K run.

—runsignup.com/Race/NE/Raymond

12TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW September 10 in Downtown Historic Fairbury Square in Fairbury The Fairbury City Museum sponsors an annual car show in September each year. Guests can see dozens of classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles and enjoy food, games for the kids, drawings for prizes, and trophies awarded for the top car of each class. 402.300.0906 —fairburychamber.org

DISNEY ON ICE: INTO THE MAGIC September 15—17 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln Into the Magic takes families on a high-sea adventure as Moana sets sail on a life-changing quest to save her island with help from the demigod Maui. With the ice floor transformed into a vast oceanic scape, Disney On Ice allows Moana’s strength and determination to take center stage. 402.904.4444 —pinnaclebankarena.com

APPLEJACK FESTIVAL 2023 September 15—24 in Nebraska City This festival is the mother of all fruit-based and fall festivities. Nebraska City’s historic AppleJack Festival annually draws between 60,000 and 80,000 people to Nebraska City to celebrate the harvest with a full lineup of family-friendly events. 402.873.6654 —nebraskacity.com

Sept 15-24

Sept 15-17

GREELEY IRISH FESTIVAL 2023 September 16 in Greeley The familyfriendly festival is alive with the sounds and sights of Ireland and entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy and explore. Guests can see local Irish pride and hear the most unique lineup of Irish music in the world. 308.428.5595 —greeleyirishfestival.com

UNL FOOTBALL VS. NORTH -

ERN ILLINOIS September 16 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln September 16 marks the first home game of the season for the Nebraska Cornhusker. The 2023 season marks the 100th anniversary of the university’s iconic Memorial Stadium. —huskers.com

OKTOBERFEST September 22—23 at Norfolk Area Chamber in Norfolk Nebraska residents celebrate the state’s German heritage and the fall harvest with this twoday family festival. Octoberfest grows yearly offering live music, German food, a beer garden, and family entertainment. 402.371.4862 —norfolkareachamber.com

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS September 22—October 1 at Lincoln Community Playhouse in Lincoln Based on the cult-classic film, Little Shop of Horrors is a rock and roll musical comedy about a man-eating plant that manipulates a hopeless florist-shop clerk in its attempt to take over the world. 402.489.7429 —lincolnplayhouse.com

NORTH PLATTE CANTEEN FESTIVAL September 23—29 Historical Downtown Canteen District — Fox Theater in North Platte This is a celebration honoring the North Platte World War II Canteen, which served over six million soldiers passing through. The festival will have a patriotic music production in the afternoons and a theater production in the evenings. —visitnorthplatte.com

THE ODD COUPLE September 28— October 1 at The World Theatre in Kearney This classic comedy takes the stage at Kearney’s historic World Theatre. Good friends Oscar and Felix move in together despite having nothing in common. Hilarity ensures as these two very polar-opposite friends have to figure out how to reconcile their differences. 308.627.5796 —cranerivertheater.org

No Drama Llama

How much fun can you pack into a trip to Lincoln? A relaxing and stress-free vacation is waiting for you. Trek around town at your leisure and discover a surprise around every corner.

IOWA

DIRECT FROM SWEDEN: THE MUSIC OF ABBA September 2 at water Works Bark in Des Moines The Des Moines Symphony, complete with a full rock band, performs and evening of ABBA’s greatest hits at the Lauridsen Amphitheater . Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, snacks, and their dancing shoes for this free, family-friendly evening of music in the park. 515.280.4000 —dmsymphony.org

ARTSPLASH 2023 September

2—3 at Sioux City Art Center Campus in Sioux City A celebration of the visual and performing arts, the twoday event provides the tri-state area with a family-centered arts adventure of exceptional quality. This event is free to the public. ArtSplash welcomes all because the arts are for everyone. 712.279.6272 —siouxcityartcenter.org

OKOBOJI ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKET

September 2—4 at Treasure Village in Milford The Annual Antique & Flea Market at Treasure Village in Okoboji is a favorite of treasure hunters from miles around. Over 50 vendors will be displaying everything from antiques and collectables to beef jerky and local wine. Visitors never know what they’ll find at Treasure Village.712.337.3730 —treasurevillage.org

DEE’S BEE AND BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL September 8 at Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji Dickinson County Conservation’s largest annual event celebrates pollinators with butterfly tagging, crafts, activities, entertainment, and more. This is a family favorite for kids of all ages to learn about pollinators while having fun. 712.336.6352 —dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com

CHECKER’S STONE SOUL PICNIC

2023 September 10 at Overman Park in Cedar Falls The 12th annual edition of this end of summer event features six live, local bands from a variety on genres performing at the park band shell. Admission is free, and food from Blue Barn BBQ and desserts from Karma Cafe will be available for purchase. 319.230.6732 —traveliowa.com

WILD WOMEN OF THE WOODS September 15—16 at Hickory Grove Park in Ames This is a two-day event designed to give women the opportunity to explore the outdoors, learn or improve skills, and connect with women with similar interests. They can try their hands at archery, paddle boarding, sketching and even more. 515.38237200 —storycountyiowa.gov

Sept

Kansas

2023 KANSAS STATE FAIR September 8—17 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson

Sept. 8-17

FOOD TRUCK FIGHT September 16 at Riverside Park in Muscatine Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, Muscatine’s historic downtown district is the perfect backdrop for food truck fanatics to eat, listen to live music, and enjoy time with family and friends. Visitors can vote for their favorite food truck to be crowned Food Truck Fight Champion. —foodtruckfight.com

It’s a place where all the iconic features of Kansas life come together. The fair is still the place to see the famous butter sculpture, giant pumpkins, grandstand entertainment, the legendary Ye Old Mill, and the Governor’s Cookie Jar. Visitors from Kansas and beyond come out annually to have some fair fun. 620.669.3600 —kansasstatefair.com

LENEXA SPINACH FESTIVAL September 9 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa Hailed as the Spinach Capital of the World in the 1930s, Lenexa celebrates its history with a free, family-friendly event packed with food, music, entertainment, contests, children’s activities, recipes, and dozens of fine-craft vendors throughout the park. 913.477.7100 —lenexa.com

MUDDY RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL Sep - tember 9 at Lewis and Clark Riverfront Pavilion in Atchison This festival features four local and regional musicians on Atchison’s riverfront. The 2023 lineup includes Soca Jukebox, Lazy Wayne Band, Tigirlily, and Michael Ray. Food vendors will be on sight, and guests are advised to bring their own lawn chairs. 913.367.2427 —visitatchison.com

Missouri

Come From Away August 29—September 3 at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City This New York Times

Critic’s Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable, true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. 816.363.7827 —kcstarlight.com

BIG RIVER STEAMPUNK FESTI -

VAL September 1—3 in Historic Downtown Hannibal Visitors can don their goggles and celebrate the Victorian inventions, industry, and architecture of Hannibal’s Gilded Age. Cosplay, costume contests, illusionists, live music, vaudeville shows, high and low tea, and more will be offered at this unique festival full of fun and fantasy. 573.221.2477 —visithannibal.com

INDEPENDENCE UNCORKED WINE

Festival September 9 at the Historic Bingham Waggoner Estate in Independence Independence Uncorked will be one of the largest Missouri wine festivals in the state featuring 20 Missouri wineries sampling several of their wines, a guest spirits distiller, and more than 2500 attendees. The day will also feature art, music, beer, food booths, and wine classes. 816.461.3491 —independenceuncorked.com

LIBERTY FALL FEST September 22—24 in Historic Liberty Square in Liberty The festival has over 200 artists and vendors and two stages packed with entertainment from regional and local artists. Kids of all ages can play in the carnival. There will be plenty of opportunities to pick up handmade gifts or delicious food from a wide variety of vendors. 816.781.5200 —libertyfallfest.com

EVENT TIMES AND DETAILS MAY CHANGE. Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

(Especially smart kids and ridiculous fake cowboys)

The Lincoln County Historical Museum offers tons of educational fun for curious people of all ages. The history of America flows through North Platte from western expansion to the intercontinental railroad and the famous North Platte World War II Canteen. You’ll find original settlers’ houses, agricultural equipment, and even a caboose to explore. If you’re looking for a unique slice of American history, you’ll find it at the Lincoln County Historical Museum.

That’s why Lincoln County Historical Museum gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval.

When In Rome

learned a great life lesson in Rome. Giving isn’t always “charity.”

Not Rome, Iowa, that little hamlet on the Skunk River West of Mt. Pleasant. I am referring to Rome, Italy, on the Tiber. Rome, the Eternal City.

The center of the greatest empire ever seen…that is literally true. In the old, ruined Julian Forum you can actually see the exact mid-point of everything… the “Urbis Umbilicus,” the belly button of the world where all roads lead. The navel of the city, like many things in that ancient metroplex, is clearly labeled with an engraved stone tablet and is easy to find if you paid attention in Latin class.

Latin, as it turns out, is more useful than algebra. Though, it should be noted that the inverse is true if you are visiting the Giza plateau in Egypt.

Certainly, it goes without saying that when “in Rome,” you should act as the Romans do, though it must also be said that there are a few exceptions to this maxim.

First: Don’t dress like the Romans do. For one thing, Roman shoes are very stylish, expensive, and ill-suited to walking miles and miles over ancient cobblestone pavements, and only experienced supermodels or Roman women should even consider wearing spiky high heels while hurrying past the Pantheon, or operating speeding Vespas across crowded piazzas. Sensible footwear is recommended.

Second: Don’t cross the street like a Roman. They are professionals and know how to carry themselves. They know how to act like they belong in the swirling current of tiny cars, motor scooters, taxis, and minivans full of sun-dried tomatoes, vestments, and recycled relics. They survive the crossing. You will not.

Third: Don’t vote like Romans vote. They have a propensity to elect extremely stupid, extremely rich, and extremely misogynistic, ego-driven, media-centric guys who run the country into one mess or another based on whatever impulse they wake up with.

But, other than those exceptions… When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

For instance, if you see a long line, be a Roman…just walk on by. I followed that principle one day walking by the entrance to the Vatican Museum. Sure, seeing the amazing items that are there and the Sistine Chapel, which I have heard is decorated by some pretty fair art work, might be worthwhile, but there was a line and I needed coffee— real Italian coffee.

I went on by and proceeded up Valle Vaticano to a little caffe, ordered a latte macchiato, and as I sipped I spied a young woman getting out of a van at the curb outside the shop. As I watched she unfurled a long, black cape and wrapped it around her shoulders. She then raised a hood over her beautiful raven hair flecked with silvered ends and transformed herself. She slowly shrunk in height becoming an old crone of under 5 feet right in front of my eyes. Her right leg and foot twisted beneath her, so that when she walked the side of that foot was flattened on the pavement. She took a silver tray from the van driver and began limping her way back towards the museum entrance.

I had to follow. I watched her approach the folks waiting for admission and marveled as she offered them her tray, which I could now see was covered with Holy Cards. The young woman had become a beggar. She proceeded to exchange those cards for Euros as people, seeing her obvious age and affliction gave her their alms. It was a very Christian thing to do, in one of the most Christian places on Earth. Her performance was flawless. Her face mostly hidden by the black hood, her tall body shrunken under the cape; her arm, hand, leg, and foot twisted as she worked the crowd.

She came to me.

I never hesitated as I reached into my wallet.

Charity or applause?

Giving…

Because… When in Rome.

Otis Twelve hosts the radio program Morning Classics with Otis Twelve on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 6-10 a.m. Visit kvno.org for more information.