A Kimball tradition since 1926, Farmer's Day will be celebrated for the 99th time on the last weekend in September. An event that has been growing larger each year recently, promises to bring three days of food, fun and community pride to the panhandle's gateway city. This years theme: 99 years and growing.
It will begin on the afternoon of Friday, September 26th when Chestnut Street and portions of 2nd Street are blocked off to make way for a stage, a corn hole tournament and food trucks from across the region. The local bars host a band each year and are currently working with the Farmer's Day Committee to line up an act for this year. They are also working with the city and the state liquor board to make it possible to walk around the designated downtown area with your beverage of choice.
Saturday the 27th an expanded craft and vendor fair opens early in the morning as 2nd Street is prepared for the 10am parade.
"The beloved Farmers Day Parade will be co-chaired this year, bringing fresh ideas and exciting changes for the community to enjoy," said Brian Sweetbee, who is enjoying his first year as chairperson of the Farmer's Day Committee. Sarah Shropshire joins longtime parade organizer Sandy Dominguez on parade duties this year as Dominguez eyes retirement from the post.
"This year’s festivities will feature expanded kids’ activities, including carnival-style games and prizes sponsored by the Kimball Area Foundation Fund. The annual car show will take place on Saturday, and the Kimball Public Library will offer a full slate of events and activities. Visitors can look forward to live music, a food truck extravaganza, and much more." Sweetbee told us of what to expect once the parade wraps up.
Activities will continue all afternoon and evening on Farmer's Day with the perennial favorite "Pie A City Guy" returning to the main stage as a fundraiser for the library, along with a completely re-imagined kids zone that will be on Chestnut Street right outside of KCTS Headquarters. A Mario Kart tournament is also back for its second year. 104.3 KIMB will broadcast live from the event for most of the day Saturday, while downtown businesses serve up cold drinks and warm hospitality.
Of course it won't really be a Farmer's Day until the hamburger feed kicks-off. Organizers serve upwards of 800 hamburgers in about 90 minutes from their make shift kitchen on South Webster Street. Kimball High School football payers help setup and tear down the feed, while cheerleaders help during service. Free-will donations are accepted as you pick up your plate.
Sunday morning the Kimball Ministerial Association will host a Praise in the Park event and an RC airshow will take place at the Kimball Municipal Airport.
Local businesses will soon receive a letter explaining sponsorship opportunities as the Farmer's Day Committee looks to shore up money for an expanded 100th Annual Farmer's Day celebration, now just 13 months away.
Businesses and individuals that would like to participate in this year's Farmer's Day celebration can reach out to
[email protected].
By News Channel Nebraska