Nebraskaland Magazine
Last two Buffalo Cookouts of the summer will be held July 19 and August 30 at Niobrara State Park. Cookout meals of buffalo burgers, beans, salads and ice cream will be served at 6 p.m., followed by a special program. Attendees must register and purchase meal tickets at the park office before noon on the day of the cookout; tickets for adults (13 and older) is $12 and children is $8. Program is free to attend.
The cookout on July 19 will feature a humanities program by Chris Sayre called Nebraska’s Musical Smorgasbord: Music From Various Ethnic Groups In Nebraska. This program explores the rich diversity of folk music that has been a part of Nebraska’s history from the time it was a territory to the present day. Performing on the button accordion, concertina, dulcimer, guitar, mandolin, musical saw and zithers, Sayre invites his audience to experience the music of ethnic groups that have called Nebraska home. Cookout and program will be held at the cookout shelter.
The August 30 event will feature Jeff Barne’s The Forts of Nebraska program. Nebraska’s forts were among the first on the Great Plains, built to promote trade, to protect travelers and settlers, and to keep the peace. During that time, they hosted some great names of American history, including Buffalo Bill Cody, Crazy Horse, George Custer, Robert E. Lee, Red Cloud, and Mark Twain. Barnes tells the story of Nebraska’s 12 military forts and what today’s visitors will find at the sites. This cookout and program will be held at the group lodge.
Minimum of 25 persons must register to hold cookouts. For additional information, please contact the park office at (402) 857-3373. A valid park entry permit is required.
