Visit The Friendliest Town In Nebraska The Next Time You Need A Pick-Me-Up
By Delana Lefevers|Published February 14, 2022
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Is there really a way to choose the friendliest place in Nebraska? Our big cities and small towns are filled with people who are ready to greet you with a smile. Visitors from elsewhere in the world constantly comment on just how warm and welcoming Nebraskans are. But in a totally subjective, non-scientific way, we’re calling the tiny town of Diller the friendliest place thanks to its welcoming spirit and can’t-miss annual festival.
Take a short 10-minute detour when you're traveling Highway 36 - also known as the Heritage Highway Scenic Byway - to arrive in Diller, an itty-bitty village in Jefferson County.
With fewer than 300 residents, Diller is the perfect picture of a small Nebraska town. But unlike some others, Diller doesn't seem to be shrinking as it ages; in fact, the town's natives are so devoted to their small town that many former residents have moved back from other places to raise their families there.
And is it any wonder? Diller residents have fought hard to keep the town alive and vibrant through changing times, and they've been successful by any measure. The Diller-Odell school district has something to do with that.
The school district opened fitness centers in both Diller and Odell which offer inexpensive memberships. There are also plenty of locally-owned businesses that have stayed put over the years, including Diode Communications which provides phone, cable, and internet service to residents. These amenities alone make Diller stand out as an excellent place to stick around and raise a family.
The Anna C. Diller Opera House is possibly the most recognizable feature of this little town. The grand three-story building has been a centerpiece of life in Diller; it's where residents go to celebrate big events, and where the annual Shrimp Feed is held.
The annual feast attracts hundreds of people from Diller and surrounding areas. Show up for this event and it doesn't matter where you're from - there will be a plate of shrimp (and tons of other delicious foods) waiting for you.
There's another annual Diller event that draws an even larger crowd: the Diller Picnic. The name is a bit misleading, as there's far more to enjoy than a sweet outdoor meal.
The annual festival has been going since 1897, and over the decades it's become an iconic celebration. Hundreds of people from Nebraska and even from other states turn up to take part in the revelry.
The Diller Picnic has a different fun theme each year, and the entire town is involved in the planning and execution. Events include a parade (of course), a cornhole tournament, extreme bull riding, a pancake feed, carnival rides, family fun, and lots of delicious food.
The tractor pulls are always a popular event, as is the classic car show. Be sure not to miss the live music or the fireworks show that caps off the festivities.
Check out the Diller Picnic’s Facebook page for more information on upcoming events and other news. Or just drop in to explore the town’s historic buildings and meet some of the friendly residents. We can guarantee you’ll be greeted by folks who are happy to see you enjoying their little slice of heaven.
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