49th Annual Neihardt Day

The 49th Annual Neihardt Day celebration is Sunday, August 3, 2014 at the Neihardt State Historic Site at 306 W. Elm Street starting with catered lunch available from 11:30 a.m. with a program beginning at 1:30 p.m. Neihardt’s respect for the natural world is evident in his works; he had a keen knowledge of plants and animals, a close relationship with the western lands and Romantic reverence for the natural world, and an ability to translate landscapes into prose and poetry. Geography and landscape are important contexts -some might even say characters-in much of his work. Without such sublime stages-vast deserts, impassable mountains, and mighty waters, the journeys of his mythic heroes and anti-heroes would not have been as epic. Randy Lukasiewicz, Neihardt Foundation board member, will perform nature themed readings culled from a variety of Neihardt’s works. To celebrate Neihardt’s interest in the natural world, Otto Rosfeld, balladeer and poet from Valentine, NE, will consider mankind’s impact on the earth using songs, poems, and stories with environmental themes accompanied by acoustic guitar and prairie percussion instruments. Rachel Liester, owner of Red Road Herbs featured in the May/June issue of Nebraska Life, will be here with products and education about native herbs. Keeping with tradition, Ron Hull of NET will moderate. This event is free and open to the public. Old-fashioned and family friendly games will be set up on the grounds. Some bleacher seating is provided; bring lawn chairs. Lunch will be prepared by Coates Catering from Decatur. The day’s programming is sponsored by the Neihardt Foundation, Cuming County Visitors Bureau, and Humanities Nebraska.

Main Program