Things To Do - Clay Center, Nebraska

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Clay Center citizens find it more difficult to stay home than find something to do. The community calendar calls people together year round.

Annual Events:

Spring Wing Ding ~
The Spring Wing Ding celebrates the magnificent spring migration of millions of geese and ducks that settle into our wonderful rain water basin in Clay County. This festival will occur on March 4th & 5th, 2006 with many bus tours to local marshes, educational seminars, an evening banquet/wildlife auction and a noon cookout held in the midst of thousands of cackling snow, blue and whitefront geese. In past years we have had over 500 people from all over the country take part, and the number grows every year. Wildbird Magazine ranks this as one of the top 15 areas to visit in the United States. The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission calls the Clay Center Spring Wing Ding the area's premier celebration of waterfowl migration. Contact Jennifer Fleischer at 402-762-3524 for further information. See home page at Spring Wing Ding

Fourth of July Celebration ~
Everyone takes time out for the Fourth of July. In the morning, numerous people line the town square to watch a parade featuring fire equipment, horses, antique cars, Shriner's activities, floats, Civic Organizations, etc. At noon, a barbecue is served in the park complete with homemade ice cream. Later, hundreds of people enjoy a talent competition, three-man basketball and softball tournaments, games, displays, and old-fashioned fun. At night, the sky explodes with an array of fireworks to end a delightful day.

Clay County Fair ~

In midsummer, the Clay County Fair devotes four days to friendly competition and entertainment. The best of fruits, vegetables, handmade articles, crafts, livestock, and livestock growers are determined and awarded prizes. A carnival and other amusements heighten family fun.

Old Trusty Antique and Collectors Show ~
Old Trusty Days, nationally known, brings life to the fairgrounds again September 10th & 11th, 2005. From across the United States, people attend this two-day celebration of "the way it was" in Nebraska. An extensive flea market displays, steam engines, turn-of-the-century crafts and homespun novelties. A parade of Grandpa's, and even Great Grandpa's, farm machinery highlight the event.

For more information the following people can be contacted:
Wayne Davis - Engines @ 402-726-2135
Bob Mihm - Tractors & Equipment @ 402-762-3324
Dean Godtel - Tractors & Equipment @ 402-762-3737
Bud Bunde - Horses @ 402-756-2477
Joyce Schlick - Booth Space @ 402-726-2487
Dave Wehnes - Cars & Trucks @ 402-772-5231
Dennis Fike - Tractor Pull & Races @ 402-771-2273
Phone during show - 402-762-3685
Camping & Food on Grounds

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Other Community Activities:

During the Christmas season, the Clay County Museum opens for a special event. Visitors peek through the doors of their memories to look at displays of earlier Nebraska Christmases. The rest of the year, the museum rotates showcases of various Nebraska artifacts. The museum is open Sundays from 1-5 p.m or by appointment. For more information call (402) 762-3563.

For those who wish to participate in plays, the Clay Center Community Playhouse produces musicals, plays, and readings.

In addition, concerts, musicals, school plays, sports events and numerous community dinners and social gatherings thread the community together.

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Parks & Recreation

In addition to a well-kept park which includes a swimming pool, Clay Center offers a variety of recreational opportunities.

The City Park --complete with playground equipment, picnic tables, a sheltered building, a horseshoe-playing area, and restrooms--is perfect for reunions, celebrations, and simple family fun.

Tennis players will enjoy the lighted double court. In the dead of winter, the court is flooded to bring ice skaters to life. Near the tennis courts, a baseball-softball diamond is the scene of ballgames for all ages. Walkers and joggers often stride around the track which adjoins the diamond and surrounds the football field. Bikers can pedal along paved city streets or take off for a longer outing in any of four directions on two highways.

Crooked Creek Country Club Golf Course ~

Golfers can enjoy a challenging nine-hole grass greens golf course. The Crooked Creek Country Club Golf Course is open to the public with memberships available. Rental carts are available; tee times are suggested. For more information call (402) 762-3807.

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