Annual Events

Cranefest

Sandhill cranes usually begin arriving along the Platte River in February during their annual spring migration and stay for an approximate 29 days. What an incredible sight the birds are as they migrate and converge through the Central Migration Flyway located right north of Minden on the Platte River. Densities of more than 12,000 cranes per half mile of river can occur. The birds create a visual picture as thousands of cranes feed together in the valley of the Platte River on the leftover grain found in adjacent fields.

Plan now to join in Minden’s Crane-Fest celebration and marvel with us at the magic of the sand hill cranes’ migration though Central Nebraska. Our local Crane-Fest celebration is the first Saturday in March and is highlighted with art displays around the square, bird watching and photography opportunities. There are many crane related activities throughout the month of March concluding with a fun-filled “Feathered Friends Finale.” Plan to reserve a spot in one of the nearby bird-watching blinds to view these spectacular birds. This is definitely something you don’t want to miss!

FACES Rally

The FACES Rally is a motorcycle event for all bikes. This is held every June since 2002 to raise money and bring awareness for the National Craniofacial Association (FACES) which is a non-profit organization for children and young adults with facial birth defects. FACES, which is based in Chattanooga, TN, assists families with traveling and lodging expenses since the majority of these children need to travel long distances to receive the medical attention needed. There are children in the local area who have benefited from FACES because they have heard of this admirable organization through the rally. Events during the rally include a fun run, bike show, bike games, hog roast, bands, vendors, and other activities.

City Wide Garage Sales

Springtime in Nebraska begins with trees once again budding, lawns once again being manicured, and the sound of outdoor activities. It is this time of year that local Minden residents begin to do their spring cleaning and set up for a garage sale. Many people set up their garage sale during the City Wide garage sales because this day brings many people to town. City Wide Garage Sale happens one Saturday every year in June. At the garage sales, you may find an item that completes your collection of mugs, belt buckles, or that utensil that you have been wanting. Whatever you find, you can plan to have a good time while you are discovering it. Sidewalk vendors sell hot dogs and hamburgers to keep you satisfied.

The City Wide Garage Sale Saturday usually coordinates with a nine-county area of Nebraska's Frontier Trails Region that organizes a three-day garage sale event named Bargains on Byways. Plan to experience the garage sales, find a bargain and barter an even better deal; but one thing for sure is, you will definitely experience the hospitality of the Minden residents while you are in town.

Antique Airplane Fly In

Plan to attend the Vintage & Modern Aircraft Fly-In Weekend (Fri. -Sun.) at the Minden Municipal Airport. This August weekend is tailored for the aircraft owner and enthusiast. The show is located just off North Highway 10. Registration begins Friday afternoon allowing time to view the antique airplanes at the local Pioneer Village Museum. Other activities include a cream can supper, an aircraft seminar and afternoon fun flying and judging; followed by a cocktail hour, a banquet and awards.

Bandfest

The annual Minden Bandfest, sponsored by the Minden Chamber of Commerce, has hosted up to 30 Junior and Senior High School bands. On this Saturday in October, Minden comes alive with the sound of instruments, flag girls and a parade of colorful bands that march between approximately 2000 spectators who are lining the streets sitting on their blankets or chairs and waiting for their favorite band. Many of the bands travel some distance to participate in Bandfest because of the parade’s great reputation. The Bandfest parade is always free and vendors are plentiful. The parade is followed by field competition held on the local high school football field. There is a minimal fee to view the field competition.

Christmas Pageant

In 1996, Minden was proclaimed the “Christmas City” by Benjamin Nelson, past Governor of the State of Nebraska. He also proclaimed November 30, 1996 to be “The Light of The World Day.” This day correlates to the first presentation of the yearly Christmas pageant that is presented in the downtown square on the first Saturday following Thanksgiving. Since 1946, over 3000 pageant volunteers have braved the elements to bring to life “The Light of The World” for over 1 million people who have witnessed its splendor.

Beginning on Thanksgiving weekend, and on the first two Sundays of December, you can see community members pantomiming the Christmas story. The pageant concludes with the lighting of over 12,000 Christmas lights strung from the courthouse and throughout the downtown. The lights are on every evening at dusk from Thanksgiving weekend until after the New Year. “OH!” is the word heard around the downtown square as the lights are turned on. Plan to join Minden this holiday season and get in the holiday mood by experiencing “The Light of the World” Christmas pageant.

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