SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

More to Come!

The full 2026 Harvest Festival schedule will be announced soon—stay tuned for more fun, events, and community favorites!

Have an idea for an event or interested in sponsoring? We’d love to hear from you—reach out to a Harvest Fest Committee Member:
Mandi Kramer, Ashley Einspahr, Rogan Einspahr, Megan West, Jesse West, Ariel Fanning, Crystal Walgren, Jessie Kerchal

Thursday, July 23rd

Medallion Hunt

Let the hunt begin! Hosted by Meadowlark Lane, this year’s Medallion Hunt kicks off Monday with the first clue available at Meadowlark. A new clue will be released each day until the medallion is found. Be the first to discover it and win $200 cash! Happy hunting!

FREE Swim

Start the weekend off right (and cool!). Head down to the Village of Wauneta Swimming Pool for free swim from 1 PM - 5 PM sponsored by Southwest Veterinary Services & Beauty Bar.

Wa-Pa Cheerleaders Ice Cream Sundaes Fundraiser

Satisfy your sweet tooth! Wauneta Palisade-Cheerleaders will be serving ice cream sundaes at the Wauneta Swimming Pool at 1PM.

WVFD Softball

First pitch is at 7 PM, bring your glove! Contact Jess Vapenik (308-883-0100) with questions. Pickup game will follow to main game.

Wa-Pa Volleyball Team Walking Tacos Fundraiser

Your Wauneta-Palisade Volleyball team will be serving Walking Tacos at the Wauneta Baseball Field from 6 PM - 8 PM.

Friday, July 24th

Chalk the Walk

Hosted by Bloom Marketing & Design and Rural Rehabilitation Services, Chalk the Walk invites kids—and kids at heart—to help decorate Main Street for the Harvest Fest Parade! Join us on Friday, July 26th for a fun and creative way to kick off the weekend. Bring your parents, grab some chalk, and let’s make Wauneta colorful together!

Farmer's Market

Support your local artisans and creators at the Wauneta Farmers Market from

9 AM - 12 PM at the Harchelroad Awning. Find local baked goods, jellies, crafts, handmade products, plants, and more!

Photo Contest Winner Display

See whose photo made our Chamber members smile the most! Swing by the Farmers Market for the Photo Contest Winners Display at 9 AM!

Wauneta EMS Lunch Fundraiser

Support your Wauneta EMS at their lunch fundraiser from 11 AM - 12 PM at the Harchelroads Awning during the Wauneta Farmers Market.

FREE Swim

Cool off from the summer heat at the Village of Wauneta Swimming Pool from 1 PM - 3 PM. Sponsored by Southwest Vet Services and BWTelcom.

Pool Games

Following regular swim, showcase your aquatic competitive side! Pool games begin at 3 PM and continue through 5 PM. Contact Hannah Curl for more information.

Nickel Scramble

Nickel Scramble ages 5 and younger at 4:30 PM at the Wauneta Park sponsored by Sandhills State Bank.

Galen Todd Cornhole Tournament

Grab your partner and toss some bags at the Galen Todd Cornhole Tournament. First round starts at 5:30 PM at the tennis courts. Contact Sara (308-883-1189) or Susan (308-350-0504) to sign up.

Live Music by Loaded Dice

Kick off your Harvest Fest weekend with Loaded Dice, a high-energy Western Nebraska party band bringing the tunes you love and the vibes you need! Join us Friday at 7:30 PM in Wauneta Park for a night of great music, dancing, and community fun. Don't miss it!

Saturday, July 25th

Yucca Run

Conquer the hill during the Wauneta Yucca Run. Registration begins at

6:45 AM at the Senior Center, or register early by signing up online. The 5K run begins at 7:15 AM. Want something more low-key? Join the FREE Fun Run at 8 AM! Toddler Run at 8 AM too! Contact Ariel Fanning with questions.

BWTelcom Courtesy Breakfast

Start your day off right with a courtesy breakfast from BW Telcom from 7 AM - 9 AM in the BW Telcom parking lot.

Cars and Coffee

Grab a hot cup of joe at Meadowlark Lane and check out Wauneta's sweetest rides at Harchelroad Awning from 7 AM - 9:30 AM. Contact Bill Bischoff at (308)883-0024 for more information.

WVFD Smoke Off

Join your WVFD for the 10th Annual Harvest Fest Smoke-Off at the Wauneta City Park! Bring your best Bloody Mary's, Briskets, Ribs, and Pork Butts. Bloody Mary judging begins at 9 AM, Side Dish at 2 PM, Ribs at 3 PM, Pork Butt at 4 PM, and Brisket at 5 PM. Contact Jeremy Walgren or Luke Curl to reserve your spot. All winners announced at 5PM

Face Painting and Balloon Artist

Join Meadowlark Lane for Face Painting and a Balloon Artist starting at 9:30 AM! Bring the kids for a fun and colorful experience.

Parade

Celebrate our local community at the Harvest Fest Parade. Find your spot on Main Street for a 10 AM kickoff. Parade float lineup begins at 8:30 at the school parking lot. Contact RanDee Littrel to enter a float.

Duck Race

Pick your duck, cheer it on, and support your Wauneta-Palisade FFA during the Harvest Fest Duck Race! Race begins at 11AM.

GTB Quarter Beers

Join us at Good Times Bar on Saturday at 11 AM for one of Harvest Fest’s most iconic traditions—Quarter Beers! All beers are just 25¢, served with a side of good company and great vibes. While you’re there, check out their Harvest Fest Food Specials!

Senior Center Open House

The Senior Center renovations are complete! Come see the updates at the open house at 11AM.

HomeTown Agency Courtesy Lunch

Let HomeTown Agency fill your belly with a courtesy lunch from 11 AM - 12:30 PM in the BW Telcome parking lot.

WVFD Water Fights

The Water Fights are back for its final year! Hosted by the Wauneta Volunteer Fire Department, this event kicks off with registration at 11 AM and the fights starting at 12 PM. Gather a team of 4 (ages 15+) and dive into the action. To register, contact Tanner Bardsley (308-883-1463) to sign up.

FREE Swim

Take a dip at the Village of Wauneta Swimming Pool from 1 PM - 4 PM. Sponsored by the Village of Wauneta and Wauneta Chamber.

Cody Fanning Horseshoe Tournament

Throw some ringers at the Cody Fanning Memorial Horseshoe Tournament at 1 PM. Contact Jo Fanning (308-350-5374) or Abbie Kerahaw (308-350-0385) to sign up.

HFC Fun Zone

Get ready for some high-flying fun! Join us at Wauneta Park on Saturday from 2–6 PM for the HFC Fun Zone, hosted by HFC, Fanning Farm Repair, and Baxter Concrete. With inflatables provided by Fun Jumpz, kids of all ages can bounce, slide, and play!

Sand Volleyball

Bump, set, spike at the Harvest Fest Co-Ed Sand Volleyball Tournament! Games begin at 6 PM at the Wauneta City Park. 8 team limit, 4-6 people per team. Contact Dakota West (308-414-2185) to register your team.

308-394-5333

Sunday, July 26th

Cowboy Church Service

Join us Sunday morning at 10 AM under the Harchelroad Awning for a special Cowboy Church Service with Pastor Dave Hogsett. Come as you are for a relaxed, faith-filled gathering that celebrates community, gratitude, and the Western spirit. Bring your own chair if able, all are welcome!

Sunday Dinner

Enjoy swiss steak, au gratin potatoes, and more at the Wauneta Senior Center from 11 AM - 1 PM. $12 for ten years and older, $7 for children under ten, under 2 eat free.

FREE Swim

Round out the weekend at the Village of Wauneta Swimming Pool. Regular swim from 1 PM - 5 PM. Sponsored by Southwest Vet Services and BWTelcom.

Flag Football Tournament

Get your game face on! Join us Sunday at 2 PM at Wauneta Park for a competitive and fun-filled Football Tournament hosted by Cattlelac Engraving. Bring your team, bring your fans, and let’s see who takes home bragging rights! Contact Rebecca Munderloh for more information.