(Beep) Welcome to part two of the Growing Small Town Nebraska anniversary. Hold on. Welcome to part two. (wah wah wah wah wah)
(Beep) Hello, everyone, I'm Marcie Sextro
You're fine I forgot that I can't hear you (laughing)
Okay...I'm gonna move this paper...take 2
You know what? Okay, go ahead.
Do you want to just?
I do. (wah wah wah wah wah)
Independently and locally owned, Artzy Haven offers over 10,000 feet of entertainment, shopping, and fun, all in Columbus, Nebraska. Stop in for all of your scrapbook and paper art supplies, classes and special events, or pick up a unique gift for that special someone. See the events page for the monthly class schedule. You can also book private parties and gatherings. See them on the web at artzyhaven.com or on Facebook. Artzy Haven is so much more than a store...it's a haven.
The Norfolk Area Concert Association is excited to bring world class entertainment to Northeast Nebraska for its 70th season. Performances presented throughout this series' season are selected to appeal to all ages at an affordable membership price. The 2023-24 Season showcases six concerts including Sinta Quartet, Pop Rock, Abbacadabra, and Divas 3. Season tickets for all six shows are only $60 for adults and $10 for students. Get your tickets today by going to the Norfolk Concert Association website. The Norfolk Area Concert Association is a local nonprofit organization supported entirely by subscriptions and patronage.
Thank you to these sponsors for coming alongside us this first year: Cuming County Visitors Bureau and Cuming County Economic Development, Norfolk Area Concert Association, Sydney and Cheyenne County Tourism, Norfork Area Business Resource Network, Grow Nebraska, and Nebraska Life magazine.
Hi everyone, I'm Sheila Jenkinson, along with my co host, Marcie Sextro. Welcome to part two of the Growing Small Town Nebraska podcast anniversary special.
Hello everyone, I'm Marcie Sextor e are coming to you from the Intersect Co-working and Incubator podcast booth in downtown Norfolk, where every Wednesday at 9am you can have a cup of coffee and hear from local and state entrepreneurs at their 1 Million Cups gathering. If you can't attend in person, catch it live on Facebook. The Intersect Co-working space is located at 509 West Norfolk Avenue, and it's a wonderful place to have a meeting, drop in to work when you're on the road, or you can have a permanent office space. You can find out more by visiting their website at intersectcoworking.com.
Well, we really hope you all enjoyed part one of our anniversary special. We had a great time making that, and the response has been phenomenal. So thank you all. Here is part two. And you know, Marcie and I, we just got back from the Nebraska Tourism Conference out in Gering, Nebraska, beautiful country...wow, beautiful area out there. And so we're going to talk to you a little bit about what we learned there. Right, Marcie?
Yes, it was very interesting. I mean, I felt like I was so impressed with the Tourism Conference in the tourism industry in our state, how dedicated they are to helping the regions that they're in. And also to just promote Nebraska in all different kinds of ways.
We did receive a scholarship through the Nebraska Travel Association to attend and they just have some fabulous things going on.
They surely do. One of the things that they shared with us... which I'm... Sheila's not as much as a numbers person as I am. But I did find it interesting because they had their 2022 stats come out about the tourism in Nebraska, because it takes quite a while for them to come out every year. And between 2021 and 2022. There's been an incline and it's continuing to grow. But they had a 19.3% increase in tourism money spent in the state. That comes down to $4.3 billion in revenue in our state, which is just tremendous. But even more than that is the 2600 jobs that they created in 2022 that were additional jobs for our state, which I thought was really phenomenal. And in the first eight months of 2023, they were already setting more records. So the will be interesting to see what the statistics say next year.
So
So part of it was we just got to meet some fabulous people. We met people who of course, were in the travel and tourism industry and talk to them about our story, hear their stories. And the theme itself was really about storytelling for your town. How to tell that story. They had a fabulous speaker. Her name is Kelly Swanson. She is just...
She was phenomenal.
I can't even say her name without one. She's so funny and heartfelt. And boy does she know how to tell a story. So that was a big part of that.
It was and I think that's a really impactful thing for us all to know on how to really look at the unique things in your small town and showcase them, because people. they want to know what's special about your town.
Yeah. So
we really
Yeah. So we really connected with her as well. Of course, telling your story of your small towns, that's what we do. So it was fun to hear some of the trends that are out now in travel and tourism...the pet friendly, as you can tell, everywhere you go, and then the quirky.
Yes, they said that's the biggest new trends coming out this year is that. They've already done a huge campaign about how quirky Nebraska is anyway. And so they were really right on the money and what they were doing with their advertising to increase travel in Nebraska.
And while we were out there, I'd have to mention we went to an Oktoberfest I'd never been to an Oktoberfest before, it's always something I've been interested in, but the timing never worked. There's a lot of stories from that. I don't even know if we have time for that right now, Marcie.
Yeah, it was a wonderful museum that they had it in and I just thought overall, that Gering did a wonderful job in showcasing their town. We had a black and white event at an old theater in town. They had the Oktoberfest their at their museum and the civic center and gearing was probably the best food I've had in a long time.
Oh, it was crazy good. Yeah, the Midwest Theater down there. It was just beautiful and very unique. Talk about a little quirky.
Yeah.
And it's working. It's gonna work for them. They're, they're new. And then the Legacy of the Plains Museum is one of the most unique museums I've ever seen. I hope everybody gets a chance to go out there and see it.
Definitely worth the visit.
We also, while we were out there at Oktoberfest, they had some demonstrators who did Polka and I love to dance. My husband and I love to dance and JT of the Corn Belt, young guy, very, just very energetic. Super sweet. So I walk around, I ask all these gentlemen, if they want to Polka, and they're all backing away, trying not to make eye contact with me anymore. And JT is like, Sure!. I'm like, Do you know how to? And he's like, No! And so I kind of taught him how to polka. Anyway, that was just fun.
It's really nice, because everybody's so committed to increasing tourism in the state and just really promoting Nebraska that you just feel like you're surrounded by a group of friends.
Well, we have found throughout this last year's podcasts that many of our Nebraska small towns are hosting tourism events that are impacting their communities.
And some of those events come with other benefits. So the Pie Ride in Emerson, it's a bike ride with well, pie.
Yes, Lots of different kinds of pie.
Yeah, and music, but to the event does have other benefits.
You know, you start with an idea, and people just run with it. And that is what is growing these small towns in Nebraska are things just like this. What is your personal favorite part of the Pie Ride?
Oh, it is the collaboration, because I get a collaboration from organizations outside of Elmwood as well. It is the collaboration it is just seeing that we actually have created something that will last and people will continue to come out because of the value that it brings to their life.
Waterloo brought back a beloved festival with Waterloo days. And from that exposure of bringing in so many people for the event, it has helped their small businesses.
When you do these kinds of activities and events, then do you think that there are people who are taking the time they're seeing more of downtown Waterloo? They're seeing what's available to them? And are there some businesses that you'd like to highlight that are in Waterloo for our visit back? We we kind of wandered around but we really had no idea where we were going. So we went down the main street and checked that out. But what else is Waterloo known for?
Well, if you don't know junkstock, then you probably know Farmer Browns or El Bees, those are staple restaurants in our area. A lot of people are coming out for that.
We have Watts. Believe it or not, we have Local Collective, which is some boutique owners actually went in together, and they purchased the space and they actually bring in all other boutique owners who may just have an online presence. And they actually bring them in and they have huge events two to four times a year and they pack out that place. It's great. We have food trucks. It's just another really great event. We also have Beyond the Basics, which is also in downtown Waterloo, which is another storefront she also just moved into Gretna as well, just because her clientele just kept growing. And so I think that's great.
(Beep) Now I'm rolling. So whatever you say...So, whatever you say is subject to possibly blooper reel.
Beep!
There you go.
All right.
Do you get alot of those? (wah wah wah wah)
(Beep) Megan, you would like to go would youor would you like me to go?
Go ahead?
Oh, yes. So our community, mostly our business owners as well. We've seen a huge...
Oh no! (laughing)
...pause one moment, I had just a quick...hold that thought, please. Thanks for being our guinea pigs with the new equipment. I shut it off. I just literally shut the equipment off.
It's said goodbye, see you later. I'm like What? No goodbye. (wah wah wah wah wah)
The Norfolk Concert Associations' 70 years of bringing in stellar entertainment has really helped improve the economy of Norfolk.
And it's such a wonderful experience for our area. And it isn't just people from Norfolk. You know, the whole surrounding community can buy tickets. It's not that far to go. It's all a lot closer than going to Omaha for a concert and way cheaper.
You're
You're right, Marcie, when people come to our shows, it's good for the whole community.
Two groups in Sydney, Octoberfest and the High Plains Art Council, pull out all the stops to provide a fun-filled community event.
So the Denver Pipe Band has been coming for a long time. My mom was in charge of the entertainment. We got a hold of the Denver pipe band, and when they come people always say how can you afford them? Well, they come because it's the end of their season, and it's just a fun celebration. They march into the tent and marched through to the middle to the stage, and it just commands attention. You could almost hear a pin drop. People are so focused and so excited to see them. It's, bagpipes and drummers and they also have dancers. So we have some Scottish dancers that travel with their fantastic.
And then there's the Christmas festivals. David City's Christmas on the Bricks was started with the help of the Hallmark family and it's had quite the impact.
So we were able to keep all of that the huge candy cane, the trees, the sign everything, everything that you see in that video, we were able to keep that, including the stands that were built to the generosity from the Hallmark Channel was was 10 fold that we were able to take the size of that community, of David City the size that it is, you know, less than 3000. We on that night, we probably doubled. I mean, it was hard to project how many people actually came to David City.
(Beep) Another great part of travel and tourism and economy. I don't know what I'm saying so I'm just blah blah blah. (wah wah wah wah wah)
Every small town needs a farmers market and Gretna Farmers Market has you covered. Everything local and in season... from backyard gardeners to large producers, home bakers to culinary professionals, make plans to visit this darling brick road market on McKenna Avenue in the historic heart of downtown Gretna for the 2024 season.
Many thanks to Stanton State Bank, Intersect Co-Working and Incubator Space, Legendary Graphics, Suds N Stuff, and Sharply Stated by Sheila for their podcast support.
(Beep) I'll maybe do some adjustments and I might stop every once in a while. In the beginning I stop, just because of adjustments. (Okay) Marcie's gonna kick us off and we have to redo something we will
Kay, I need, I will, I take something out because we were supposed to...
See? Just like that edited out. She's just like mumble mumble mumble...Out!
(laughing) (wah wah wah wah wah)
(Beep) Join us again next time as we talk with business and community leaders who are working in re....aaaaaah.
law.
You have all the hard words.
Aaaaah. (wah wah wah wah wah)
As we were talking with you about in Nebraska Tourism Conference, they were talking about quirky, and they were talking about storytelling with your town. And we've had some podcasts where we've just been really impressed with the people that have different tourism events or tourism sites. And what they've done to promote that.
Knox County is one of those I tell you what they are Stacy and Kelly they do some fun promotions out there to bring increased traffic to their area.
So, I was telling you about Stacey's sense of adventure. So, there we were one day, and she said, "Come on Kelly! We're gonna take bikes and we're gonna do a video to promote gravel grinding in Knox County," and I said, "What?!" She said, "It'll be fine. Come on." So there we were, on a gravel road, with two bicycles. Gravel grinding is a new sport she found out about at a tourism conference; and there we were, she is quite the adventure. We also got the nicknames "Stargazer" and "Gravel Grinder" and I'm not sure which is which.
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Nebraska City is a historical museum that has brought in new visitors to their town.
So you're sitting here with us now and we really want to hear the inside scoop about the visitor center. Tell us about it. What can families expect when they visit the visitor center?
Yeah, it's interesting, because we have so many, a wide variety of visitors. Some know all about Lewis and Clark. That's why they're there. Others have no clue. They stop because they see this building up on the hill. They're curious.
Oh that's fun!
And it's their first step into Nebraska. This is the first time they've ever been to our state, and so they don't even know what to expect, you know. And they come in and they look out the window and they see the trails. Others come for the trails, you know, we have several trails. Others come for field trips, we have lots of educational field trips.
Oh, I bet.
(Beep) No, I...
been hurt.
Huh...talk to me again. You weren't picking up over my recording.
So I was...
...there she there she is. Okay, Mike, can you chime in for just a moment?
Absolutely. I can talk as much or as little as needed.
Okay, all right, everybody is here. So Marcie, we...
Awesome. Okay.
It's rolling, guys.
Okay, I'm gonna get started. (wah wah wah wah wah)
(Beep) You tell their story in your Born to Rein video How did that project get started and tell us a little bit about it.
(Cough) Now tell us a little bit about it.
(laughing)
I was like...aah! I gotta cough! Okay.
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A first year sponsor shout out thank you to: ASQ Promotional Products, Elkhorn Valley Museum, the Norfolk Community Theatre, Circle S Creations and 4th Street Sweets.
One of the fun things that we ended up doing this first year and we hope to do more of, we're always open for this, is speaking at different organizations and groups. So we had a lot of fun with that. One of the things is, I presented at the YMCA for one of their socials. So thank you to the YMCA for having us out there. Hunter Bergman, he hosted a podcast meet up at the Arts Center. I went to that one night and had a great time there with those people. We have other ones too, Marcie.
Yeah, we were able to talk at the Rotary Club, which that was a really great group of people. And I got to meet all of them, and also the Lions Club.
Yeah. And then a couple of our big events for the year, we hosted an open house after we had started. And during that open house, we had kinda three things going on. So we started and we presented for 1 Million Cups Norfolk. And what a great opportunity that was.
Yeah, if you don't know about 1 Million Cups, it's a wonderful program here at the intersect co working space, you definitely want to check it out. If you cannot come on Wednesday mornings at 9am to have coffee and listen to the entrepreneurs that they have there. Then you can certainly watch it on Facebook Live.
Yeah. And that's something they do every week. And if they don't have a speaker, it's an open coffee, it's a great time to get to know other people in the area. And the premise is that across the world, I think 1 million cups of coffee has been had.
Yeah.
So pretty cool. And that same day, then we went right into our Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, and just...those events were so well attended.
Well, we are so appreciative of everyone who came out to celebrate with us about the ribbon cutting and being part of the open house. It was really a special time for us.
We were so brand new. And so yeah, just a great support at both of those events. And then we decided, hey, let's have that open house to follow. And so we had snacks and goodies and 4th Street Sweets, one of our sponsors, and provided us with this beautiful chocolate tray.
And we had wonderful cake. We have to say big thank you to our families and those events, because that's certainly something that we could not do on our own. But both of our families really came alongside of us and helped us with it. So so appreciative.
Yeah. So that's something we can do. We can come and talk to you guys about the podcast if you have an organization that wants to hear about it, if it fits into our schedule, and we always try to make some time for that. Oh, one of the other fun things that I did, Marcie, I got to go to the middle school Aftershock program. Yes. And talk to a group of kids who have over the Aftershock program had worked with podcasts and so also I listened to their podcast now. It's hilarious. They tell a lot of jokes. But that was just a fun day for me.
(Beep) Check out these excell...(laughing)
Did you forget? (Laughing)
I did. (Lauging) I'm so sorry. I just got through that whole thing....
You don't...you can just start from the...(wah wah wah wah wah)
(Laughing)
(Beep) That's right. So...I had a thought, but I lost it, too! (laughing)
We might have to keep some of those in. (wah wah wah wah wah)
With so many great wineries throughout the state of Nebraska, it was really fun to talk to the people from the wine passport and talk about how diversified ag increases tax revenue and jobs.
Yeah, so again, according to that Wine America (so this is the national group that had all the states) their economic impact survey...federal taxes for the state of Nebraska in the wine industry is about 45 million; state and local taxes generate about 27 million a year. So overall total impact is about 1.2 billion, just the wine industry in Nebraska. So who knew?
when
When Marcie and I got started, and we started lining up guests for the podcast, I had been following Seth from Wandermore on Facebook. And so it was just somebody I just need, we needed to talk to him because I'd been following all of these great photos. And he just showcases all of these unique interests throughout the small towns.
I try to learn ahead of time kind of what makes the town so unique. Like, this is kind of fresh in my mind. Like in the Deweese, for example, I was talking to one of the ladies from Sugar Shack who was from there. And she was talking about how Deweese had this dog named Dodger, the basset hound. And he was just the stray dog that went through town. She said, no matter what was going on, whether it was like a church dinner, or the town celebration, or anything that was going on in the community, Dodger was there. If you went to the post office, Dodger would probably find you there. If you went to church, he'd be waiting outside, waiting for all the people. That story, someone shared it with the Associated Press, and it went completely, nationally viral. And it got to the point where people started donating towards the town, just because they had the story about this dog and how the entire town took care of him. And they raised enough money that they were even able to build their own community center. I mean, a stray dog led to probably a multi-million dollar facility being constructed.
Valentine's mayor and his staff not only have gained a dark sky designation, but they focused on winter activities to keep tourism growing.
Yeah, you know, we've been we've been working to diversify our tourism a little bit. In many cases, we were a one trick pony for for the early years. You know tubing and canoeing popped up on the Niobrara and, you know, it achieved Wild and Scenic status. So it was kind of protected and infrastructure popped up around that with a lot of Outfitters. It became a pretty short season, you know, maybe kind of mid June to mid August when when families were going back to school. And so here we had a ton of infrastructure you know, hotels and restaurants and other people catering to tourists and we had this tourist season kind of become a little shorter than it maybe was to begin with some interesting things have happened. We've had, you know, the dark sky and star watching or stargazing party, and we've had golf courses pop up.
(Beep) See, how hard was that?!
I don't know (laughing) too hard. (wah wah wah wah wah)
(Beep) (Clears throat) Allergies are fantastic! (cough) (all laughing)
Aren't they?
Okay, so (wah wah wah wah wah)
(Beep) Testing number one....heh heh heh...I don't have it plugged in. Nooo....ooh, oh, ah. (wah wah wah wah wah)
(Beep) Winter activities and the Dark Sky Designation in Valentine were one of the things we really we're excited to...(mumble) okay....
Thinking outside of the box, Valentine has worked very hard at being able to have (no I don't like the wording)
Thinking outside of the box, Valentine's Mayor Kyle argand bride has worked with his...I don't...whey do I want to say crew all the time?
(clears throat) Valentine's Mayor, Kyle Argenbright and his (pause)
(laughing)
(whispers) staff
Might have to keep that one!
Staff (laughing)
Staff, crew, what a fun group they have, we got to meet Regina, she's fabulous. You know hey, I don't know...I'm having a hard time coming up with...
Valentine's mayor (laughing)
(Laughing)
okay.
Thinking outside of the box Valentine's mayor and his staff have...
(laughing)
I know...it's just too funny...I don't know.
(laughing)
You cannot laugh...
Okay.
Sometimes I just get started..
All right. Deep breath.
(laughing)
(laughing) I knew it! I wasn't even gonna start.
Just a minute...okay...
Okay, okay.
Okay. About got a snort out of that one!
Okay.
All right. Valentine's Mayor Kyle (laughing)
(Laughin) Okay.
Okay. (quickly) Valentine's Mayor,
(Laughing)
Oh no....(laughing)
(Laughing) I can't... (wah wah wah wah wah)
Once again, Marcie and I want to thank you on behalf the Growing Small Town Nebraska podcast, is just us, so I don't know why I said that. But we want to thank you for all of your support this first year. Thanks for following along and listening and we're just looking forward to the next years to come.
(Beep) You gotta talk. You can't...It's not just a me thing.
(Laughs) Yes, we really appreciate everyone's support. And we...(wah wah wah wah wah)
Yes, and we encourage you to keep following along on our adventuresk but make sure that you have your own and we would love to hear about it on our Facebook or Instagram.
(Christmas music) This holiday season experience the magic of Christmas like never before at the All is Bright Christmas tour in Sydney. Bring the whole family and join in on the fun at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds for a heartwarming indoor Christmas lighting experience. Best of all, admission is free! Dive into the holiday spirit with free kids activities, a festive photo booth, and special Santa photo opportunities. The All is Bright Christmas Tour starts on November 25 and continues December 1st and 2nd, 8th and 9th, 15th and 16th from 4 to 8pm. For more information and updates visit their website at visitsidneyne.com.
and e.com.
Need a chocolate fix or an original gift? 4th Street Sweets is kicking it old school by offering gourmet chocolates, small batch fudge, caramel apples, and retro candy. Be the favorite at your next holiday gathering or friend get together and bring a tray of treats from 4th Street Sweets. Or just stop being quick when you're downtown to treat yourself. Find 4th Street Sweets at 103 North Fourth Street in Norfolk. You can see their delicious treats on their Facebook page 4th Street Sweets. Let them sweeten your day!
We couldn't have done the podcast without J&H Greenhouse, Hey Crystal Hey Designs, Visit Knox County, North Fork Outfitting, Norfolk Area Concert Association and Jamie's Creations. Thank you all for being a part of the podcast.
If you're interested in being a sponsor for the podcast, you can find out more information on our website or email us at growingsmalltownne@gmail.com. The Growing Small Town Nebraska podcast can be found on Apple, Spotify, or Google podcasts. And we have new episodes the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
