Celebration Theme:

Each year the 4th of July Committee selects a theme for the annual celebration.

We Are Family! A call for Unity in our Country! - Saluting the 150th Anniversary of the Cattle Bank and Trust

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Special String Beans Concert - Seward Bandshell.
7 p.m. Friends of the Library.

Sunday, July 2, 2023 - Pre-Party

Attend the Church of your choice - See ad in the Seward County Independent for details.

7:00am: Self-guided Volkswalk: "Step to the Beat" - Starts at Fast Mart, 215 N. 6th St., 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles). All day. Free. See www.julyfourthseward.com for details.

12:00pm: Red Path Art Gallery and Tasting Room - Artist open house featuring Pam Apley, only from 2-4 p.m.

1:30pm: Seward County Historical Society Museum - 1:30-5 p.m.
See the 1868 US Flag made for the first Seward 4th of July celebration and “Images of Independence,” historic photo documentary exhibit in Seward, July 4, 1981.

    - Cowgirl Tea - Seward Civic Center basement. Featuring "Annie Oakley" (Charlotte Endorf) at 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. and Joan Wells, nationally acclaimed trick roper. Free. Refreshments available. Silent Auction. Hosted by GFWC SWC. Sponsored by GFWC SWC and Humanities Nebraska.

2:00pm: Children’s Pre-Fourth Parade - Line up at Ridgewood East Parking lot at 1:30 p.m. March begins at 2 p.m.
Informal July 4th Salute for the Seward Seniors. No preregistration needed. Visits area Senior Living residences.
For details, contact Molly Marroquin, Youth Parade Chair at [email protected] or Julia Metschke at Julia. [email protected]. Sponsored by SHS Key Club.

5:30pm: Food Truck at Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. - 5:30-8 p.m.

7:00pm: World War II Musical Review: Swing Show - Seward High Auditorium. Honoring Andrew Higgins. Featuring Seward Municipal Band and additional music and live talent/entertainment. Free. NENG Historical Society.

Monday, July 3, 2023 - Pre-Party

7:00am: Self-guided Volkswalk: "Step to the Beat" - Starts at Fast Mart, 215 N. 6th St., 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles). All day. Highlights sculptures of the area. Free. See www.julyfourthseward.com for details and maps. All weekend.

8:00am: Nebraska National Guard Museum Opens - New exhibits

9:00am: Antique Market Opens - Liberty House Bed & Breakfast..

1:00pm: Red Path Art Gallery and Tasting Room Open House - Featuring art of Pam Apley, Tonya Grosshans, and Lois Smith.
Book Signing: "The Unstoppable Bridget Bloom" by Allison Bitz of Lincoln - 1-2 p.m., Chapters Books & Gifts. Ask her anything. Target audience: 12 through 28.

5:30pm: Food Truck - Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. 5:30-8 p.m.

6:00pm: Author Meet & Greet, Book Signing: "Andrew Jackson Higgins" by Jerry Strahan-Higgins, Biographer. - NENG Museum.

6:30pm: Cornhole Singles Tourney - Register at Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. Call 402-646-5847 for details. https://playpass.com/bottlerocketbrewing.

7:00pm: Concert - NENG Museum main floor. Featuring Heidi & Kevin Cheng. Songs of World War II, grand piano & violin. Free.

7:30pm: Wissmann Family Singers and the Benson Family Singers of Seward County and Faribault, Minnesota - Bandshell. Musical presentation. **In case of bad weather, at Seward Civic Center Auditorium.**

9:00pm: Homegrown Band - Sparetime Lounge. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023 - "Rain or Shine"

7:00am: Register in the guest book - Information Booth on NE corner of Courthouse Square, by Cattle Bank & Trust. Also in Civic Center.

    - VFW Auxiliary Community Buffet Breakfast - VFW Club. Serving 7-11 a.m.

    - St. John Community Breakfast - Civic Center basement. Serving 6-8 a.m. French toast and sausage. Sponsored by St. John Lutheran Church Music Ministry.

    - 2 Mile & 10K Freedom Runs - Plum Creek Ball Fields East side. New location, new route. See website. Entry fee. Forms at www.julyfourthseward.com. Seward Optimist Club.

    - Car Show Registration - between Seward, 6th & 8th Sts. 7-10 a.m. Entry fee. Contact CJ Novak, 402-646-5214, or Larry Ray, 402-523-4020. See www.julyfourthseward.com for more details.

    - Lincoln’s Great Plains Bicycling Club’s "Firecracker 50" - 1200 West Hillcrest. Bicycle to Brainard/Dwight and back or a shorter route. Registration at Living Word Lutheran Church. Visit www.julyfourthseward.com for more details. Approved bike helmets required. Open to all & free.

7:30am: Anvil Firing - Zabka Park behind Bandshell, before and after prayer service. Colonial custom. Seward Volunteer Fire Department.

    - Reveille (75mm howitzer cannon fire) and Flag Raising - NENG Museum.
    
    - Flag Raising - Bandshell. Boy Scout USA Troop 256.

    - Community Prayer Service - Bandshell. Music featuring United Methodist Praise Band. Seward Ministerial Association.

    - Self-guided Volkswalk: "Step to the Beat" - Starts at Fast Mart, 215 N. 6th St., 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles). All day. Free. See www.julyfourthseward.com for details.

8:00am: Exhibits Open - Various. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Open to the public. Free.

    - Camp Creek Threshers and SYA Antique Tractors & Farm Machinery - Seward & 4th Sts.

    - Various Art - Bottle Rocket Brewery.

    - "We are Family" Art Show - Civic Center Langworthy Gallery. Vote for People’s Choice award. Sponsored by Lincoln Art Guild.

    - Nebraska National Guard Museum Exhibits - NENG Museum. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. Displays: 1776 Soldiers Encampment, First Nebraska Civil War Encampment, and World War II soldiers and vehicles.

Chimes Concert - Courthouse Tower. 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.

8:30am: Shuttle/Trolley Rides - See map on www.julyfourth.com or pick up a map at the Info Center on the Square. Free. Hours: July 4th - 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. & 5-7 p.m.

Best Decorated Bike/Trike Contest - Bandshell. Decorate your bike/trike. Ride your bike in the Grand Parade! Awards/prizes. All ages welcome. Free. Sponsored by SHS FCCLA.

9:00am: Post Office Pictorial cancellation - Themed pictorial cancellation for Seward’s July 4th celebration and free postcards.

    - Antique Market Opens - Liberty House Bed & Breakfast.

    - PA31-17 Higgins Boat Dedication - Front of NENG Museum. Honoring and thanking the Cattle family for their support of the project.

    - Pop-Up History Museum - 5th & Seward Sts. Cattle Bank & Trust upstairs. 9 a.m.-Noon. Memorabilia and history of the Cattle Bank and Trust’s 150 years in Seward. Free. Elevator available.

    - Cornhole Tourney - Register and tournament at Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. Call 402-646-5847 for details. https://playpass.com/bottlerocketbrewing.

    - Friends of Seward Library Book Sale - Seward Memorial Library Meeting Room. Use west entrance. 9 a.m.-Noon.

    - Red Path Gallery Art Shows featuring Pam Apley, Mike Fluent, and Jeannette Johnson - Red Path Gallery.

    - Chalk Art by Emily Loux - In front of Red Path Gallery. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Watch Emily as she creates a unique chalk mural.

    - Free Water and Lemonade - Mercy Church, 6th & Seward St., in front of the church. While supplies last. Free. Sponsored by Mercy Church.

    - Food Alley - 5th St. between Seward & Jackson Sts. Food booths.

    - Crafts on the Square Craft Show - Courthouse Lawn.

    - Miscellaneous Market - 5th St. between Seward & South Streets.

    - 32nd Annual Street Pole Vault Competition - 5th Street, in front of Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. Amateur competition followed by advanced/elite completion. Featuring area college vaulters and some of the best USA pole vaulters. Contact Jason Berry, 402-641-4615.

    - Horseshoe Pitching, Herb Downing Memorial Tourney - County Fairgrounds horseshoe pits. Entry fee.

    - Magic Show by Andrew "Mr. Magic" Malan - Civic Center Auditorium. Family show.

    - Water Fight - Jackson St. between 3rd & 4th Sts. Women and mixed teams welcome! Sponsored by Seward Volunteer Fire Department.

    - SHS FFA and Petsource by Scoular Pet Parade/Pet Contest - Bandshell. Bring your pets. Free. Sponsored by Petsource by Scoular. SHS FFA.

    - Book Talk: "Bucks and Bulls" by Dr. Joel Helmer - Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. large event room.

    - Lecture: "The Mildred Adaline Lindsey Story: Escaped Slave Living in Seward County" by Tobin Beck - Civic Center east fireplace room. Free.

    - Historic Walk Around the Square - With Jon Keller, Author of "150 Years Around the Square." Meet at information booth at 5th & Seward Sts. One-hour presentation.

9:30am: "Nebraska Train Songs and Tales" by David Seay - Civic Center Auditorium. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Humanities Nebraska.

    - LUXE Dance Academy of Lincoln, Dancers/Cloggers - Bandshell.

10:00am: Family Rest Area - Civic Center west fireplace room. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Includes children’s activities, silent auction, and photo spot. Hosted by GFWC SWC.

    - Car Show Opens - Seward St. between 6th & 8th St. See website.

    - Moolah’s Giant 18 ft. Inflated Slide - 5th & Seward Sts. Cattle Bank & Trust parking lot. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsored by Cattle Bank & Trust.

    - Quilt Talk: "The Quilts of Valor Program" by Bonnie Smith, Blue River Quilt Guild - Civic Center AV room.

    - Author Talk: "Andrew Jackson Higgins" by Jerry Strahan, Higgins Biographer - NENG Museum.

    - See the Higgins Boat-PA31-17 - NENG Museum front.

    - Lecture: "Lutherans, Language and Loyalty in Seward County During World War I, 1917-1918" by Dr. Jerry Pfabe - Civic Center East Fireplace Room.

    - Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church Hot Dog Feed - 6th & Bradford. Proceeds go to Blue Valley Community Action.

    - Art Show Exhibit: Cigar Box Guitar artist Stan Luebbe - In front of Red Path Art Gallery. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

    - Lecture: "142 Seward Street: Story of a House" by Dr. Brent Royuk - Bottle Rocket Brewing Co. large event room.

10:30am: Martin Albright in Concert: "Beautiful Music" - Civic Center Auditorium.

    - Bubble Gum/Apple Pie Eating Contest - Bandshell. Sponsored by Seward Rotary Club. Free. State Championships! No Pre-Registration

    - Book Talk: The Story Behind the Story of "More Than a Local Wonder!" Carla Ketner's Upcoming Ted Kooser Bio - Chapters Books & Gifts, downtown Seward.

11:00am: City Municipal Band Concert: "Patriotic Salute" - Bandshell. Honoring the "Greatest Generation."

    - Lecture: "The US Constitution Lady" by Shelia CollinsDavey - Civic Center east fireplace room. On value of the US Constitution. For all ages. Free.

    - Lecture: "The Days My Family will Always Remember" by Cliff Lowell - Civic Center AV room.

    - Children’s Big Wheel/Hot Cycle Races - In front of ZabkaPerdue Funeral Home, Jackson Ave & 4th St. No rubber wheels please! Bring your own Big Wheel or Hot Cycle! Sponsored by Seward High School FBLA.

    - Marble Music Studio Presents: "Music, Music" - Seward Civic Center Auditorium.

    - Pie Festival - Civic Center basement, west room. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Homemade pie and ice cream. Sponsored by Raymond Pie Ladies, Raymond Church.

    - Sloppy Joe/Yum Yum Feed - Civic Center lower level. Serving 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. SHS Band Boosters fundraiser

11:30pm: Paul Soulek’s Piano Presents: "A Bit of Patriotism" - Civic Center Auditorium.

12:00pm: Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance - All over celebration grounds. National Anthem.

    - Lecture: "Seward’s Great Folly Hunt!" by Tom Van Steenhoven - Civic Center AV room.

    - Fourth of July Bingo - Civic Center basement. Noon-3p.m. Free. Prizes. Air-conditioned seating. Sponsored by SHS FCCLA and Friends.
    
- LUXE Dance Academy of Lincoln Dancers/Cloggers - Bandshell. Sponsored by Suhr & Lichty Insurance.

    - Free Movie: "An American Tail" - Rivoli Theatre. PG. "We are Family!" People’s Choice Best Family Movie. About a great family. Sponsored by Wisehart family and Seward Fourth of July Celebration Committee.

    - Blue River Men’s Quartet directed by Jonathan Jank - Civic Center Auditorium.

    - A Century of Fashion: Mini Fashion Show and Talk by Sue McLain - Civic Center, upstairs east fireplace room. Featuring clothes of 150 years. Honoring Cattle Bank & Trust’s 150th anniversary. Sponsored by GFWC SWC and Humanities Nebraska.

12:30pm: High School Summer Chamber Choir directed by Dr. Kurt von Kampen - Civic Center auditorium.

1:00pm: Lecture: "Moving and Saving the Log Cabin" by Pat Coldiron and Company - Civic Center AV room.

    - Essence of Dance, Milford - Seward Bandshell.

    - Concert: Dennis Bowers and his Harmonica Show - Civic Center auditorium.

    - Demonstration: Gold Star Martial Arts, Team Velocity - 5th & Seward Sts.

    - Book Talk: "The Barbers of Seward County" by Jon Keller, Seward Historian - Civic Center east fireplace room.

1:30pm: Piano Concert by Sally Jost - Civic Center auditorium.

2:00pm: Wissmann Family Singers - Civic Center auditorium.

    - Lecture: "The Day the Cows Didn’t Come Home" by Clifford Lowell - Civic Center AV room.

    - Lecture: "The US Constitution Lady" by Shelia CollinsDavey - Civic Center east fireplace room. On value of the US Constitution. For all ages. Free.

    - Mexican Folkloric Dancers of Lincoln: Dance Sangre Azteca, "Proyecto Cultural" - Bandshell.

    - Trivia at the World’s Largest Time Capsule Pyramid - Hillcrest & Cherry Lane. Hosted by Trish Johnson. To be opened 2025.

2:30pm: Governor’s Community Reception - St. John Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Honoring July 4th Dignitaries. MC: Sen. Jana Hughes. Hosted by GFWC SWC.

3:45pm: Duck Dash - 7th & Seward Sts.

4:00pm: Grand Parade - Theme: We Are Family - A Call for Unity. Featuring bands, floats, and units. Honoring the 150th anniversary of Cattle Bank & Trust. Nebraskan’s Friend Award Grand Marshall Recipient: Virginia Cattle. Entry forms at Civic Center; contact Donna Hendrickson, SCCDP, at 402-643-4189; contact Tonia Nantkes 402-641-8912; visit www.julyfourthseward.com or email [email protected].

5:00pm: Beef Bar-B-Que Meal/Buffet - Inside Olde Glory. Advance tickets at Seward banks or buy on-site. Also serving desserts. CK Catering & Olde Glory Volunteers.

    - VFW Hamburger/Hot Dog Basket Feed - VFW Post 4755, 243 S. 9th St., 5-8 p.m..

6:00pm: Mayor’s Welcome - Crowning Miss Independence & Mr. Firecracker. Seward County Community Service Award & Nebraska’s Friend Award. Sponsored by Seward Rotary.

    - Tourist Family Introduced - Bandshell.

    - Concession stand - Plum Creek Park.

7:00pm: Concert: "Macrowave" - Bandshell. 1970’s to 1990’s rock music.

8:00pm: Concert: Featuring Sunset Lounge - Plum Creek Park. Free. Stage by Daws Trucking. *Extra seating and parking for fireworks following the concert in Seward Middle School grounds and Plum Creek soccer fields.

10:00pm: Giant Fireworks Salute: A Fireworks Extravaganza - Plum Creek Park. Music with fireworks on 104.9 MAX Country. Bring blanket and chair. **In case of rain: fireworks will be on July 5th at 10 p.m.** Extra seating at Seward Middle School and Plum Creek soccer fields. Sponsored by Cattle Bank & Trust, Concordia University, Jones Bank of Seward and Milford, Hughes Brothers, and Petsource by Scoular. The July 4th Committee, coordinator Darin Urwin & Company.

NO PRIVATE FIREWORKS ALLOWED.

- Operation Silhouette - Holiday lights around the Square featuring lights on the Courthouse. Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership.

- Home Lighting Exhibition - View local homes decorated with red, white, and blue lights. Contest sponsored by Seward Rotary Club and SHS FBLA.

- Planting Exhibition - View beautiful red, white, and blue plantings throughout the community. Keep Seward Beautiful Committee.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

6:00am: Clean Up - meet on north side of square, citywide throughout morning. City of Seward, Seward Scouts, SHS FFA, FBLA, Skills USA, FCCLA and Key Club, 4-H Clubs, community volunteers, - a "Litter-Free" event - Keep Seward Beautiful!

Date:
July 2-4, 2023

Location:
Various Venues,
Seward, NE

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