Homestead Days® 2012
June 12 - 17

"150 Years...Pursuing American Dreams"

Join us community-wide as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act!  

Homestead Days® has seen many changes as it has evolved into the celebration we know and love today.  The event started 27 years ago at Homestead National Monument of America with a budget of only $200 and an idea for a gathering of craft demonstrators and activities.  The celebration was planned as part of The National Park Service’s “Year of the Visitor” program.  When the celebration had outgrown the confines of Homestead National Monument of America’s site in 1984, the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce offered their resources to help.  The Chamber began organizing Homestead Days events at Chautauqua Park that would coincide with events at the Monument.  This new partnership between Homestead National Monument of America and Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce marked a new beginning for Homestead Days.  In the first year of joining forces, 1984, over 17,000 people visited the Beatrice Area and Homestead National Monument of America.

Homestead Days® didn’t stop growing in 1984.  The Homestead Days® celebration continues to grow in Chautauqua Park, at the Monument, and all through Beatrice.  It is now an event spanning six fun-filled days involving Homestead National Monument of America, East Beatrice Business Association, Beatrice Public Library, Gage County Historical Society Museum, Main Street Beatrice, and MORE!  In 2009, more than 29,000 people attended the activities in and around our Beatrice community.

This year’s schedule features many of the same activities and events we have had in the past, along with fun and fresh activities! Thursday evening kid-centered events are at Beatrice High School, sponsored by EBBA and Teen Night at the Water Park. Friday evening events will include an All Schools Reunion & Hypnotist at Risky’s, Beatrice Speedway Races, and bicycle rides, family friendly shows, entertainment, and FIREWORKS at Chautauqua Park. (Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets!) Saturday morning starts with exciting new Bed Races and Kids’ Big Blue Fun Run, which mark the start of the Parade in downtown Beatrice. Then you can head down for more fun, vendors, games and entertainment at Chautauqua Park. The evening wraps up with the Main Street Ribfest in Downtown Beatrice. On Sunday morning, attend a community church service and Classic & Street Rod Car Show at Chautauqua Park. Or, you can get your running gear ready for the 2 mi/10k run, or the “Bow ’N Go” Triathlon and Kids Adventure Race!

 If you have any questions about Homestead Days® or the events please give us a call at the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, 402-223-2338 or email us at info@beatricechamber.com.