At 118 Years Old, Popcorn Days Is The Longest-Running Annual Festival In Nebraska
We love a good festival here in Nebraska, and there are tons of them to enjoy every year. The longest continuously-running festival in the state is Popcorn Days in the town of North Loup. This unique celebration is full of fun, games, and – of course – lots of popcorn!
North Loup's iconic festival began in 1901. Following a drought and a few difficult growing seasons, farmers in the area tried out a number of alternative crops in their fields. One crop did particularly well: popcorn.
The town has celebrated the fruitful crop every August since then. It's a weekend-long event that includes everything from parades to sports to carnival games.
And, maybe best of all, there's free popcorn as far as the eye can see. Just be careful not to eat too much of it - there's lots of other great food available to purchase!
The weekend's events always kick off on Friday. You can expect to enjoy attractions like a fun run, a men's softball tournament, a street dance, a kids' parade, and a second parade that's the largest in the area.
The carnival's midway is jam-packed with awesome games, rides, and vendors. Try your hand at a couple of games, pick up some gifts for friends, and grab some more popcorn to keep you fueled up for all the fun.
North Loup Popcorn Days is held every August. Although the 2019 event has already passed, you can bet that this beloved festival will be back for many years to come. Check out the festival’s website or Facebook page to learn more.
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.
