Saturday, April 13
“Taste of Grand Island,” hosted by Grand Island Rotary, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Aurora Coop Pavilion at Fonner Park. Event includes food and beverage tastings and raffle prizes; proceeds benefit Youth Leadership Tomorrow and Rotary’s End Polio Now program. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door; available through Noon Rotary members, the Grand Island Tourism office, 201 W. Third St., and Copycat Printing, 365 N. Broadwell; and online at www.leadershipunlimited.net/. Open to those age 21 and older only; Lindsey Jurgens, 308-675-2000.
“The Life and Legacy of David Kaufmann,” a Celebrate Wood River Saturday Friendship Gathering program presented by Hall County historian Michelle Setlik, 9:30 a.m., Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater, Wood River. No admission charge; Vince Boudreau, 308-583-2961.
People are also reading…
“The Worst Hard Time, The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl,” by Timothy Egan; a Bygone Book Club discussion led by Jim Dean, 11 a.m., Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W. Second St. Bygone Book Club is a partnership between the Grand Island Public Library and the Hall County Historical Society; Shaun Klee at 308-385-5333.
“Tuesdays with Morrie,” presented by the Grand Island Little Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, College Park auditorium (continues April 19-21). Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for children 12 and younger; box office: 308-382-2586 or githeatre.org
“Pawnee Geography of Nebraska,” a “Stuhr-pendous Saturday” program, presented by Matthew Deepe, director of research, 1p.m., Stuhr Museum. Land use, townsites, rivers, and other locations and place names will be discussed within a broad historical context. While this program is open to all ages, adults and older children are the primary target audience. Included in daily admission; $14 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for youth age 6-12; children 5 and younger admitted free; 308-385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org
Voice for Companion Animals Supply Drive, 10 a.m. to noon, 3532 W. Capital Ave. Needed items include cat food, dog food and cleaning supplies; monetary donations always appreciated.
Spring Percussion Summit Concert, featuring student musicians from Hastings College and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, 7 p.m., Fuhr Hall, 927 N. Ash Ave., Hastings; free.
SkillsUSA, Nebraska Leadership and Skills Conference, last day, Fonner Park. Students compete in more than 100 areas of career and technical education. Open to the public; no admission charge.
Drive-thru mobile food pantry, sponsored by the Loaves & Fishes ministry of Trinity United Methodist Church, 9:30 a.m., College Park, 3180 Highway 34, Grand Island; do not arrive before 7:30 a.m. (best time is between 9 and 11 a.m.); enter on Tech Drive. No income or ID requirements, but some information will be requested (number in household, ages, etc.). Food provided by Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha; FoodBankHeartand.org; Trinity UMC, 308-382-1952.
Stolley Park Railroad, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Grand Island. Tickets are $3.50 for anyone age 3 and older; children age 2 and younger ride for free with a paying adult. Punch cards and group rates available. All dates and times are weather permitting; 308-389-0290.
Sunday, April 14 “Grand Rededication Concert,” featuring pianists Nathan Buckner, Phillip Erb, Jared Hansen, Micah Hesterman, Joel Jank, Mark Landis, and Ruth Moore and Cynthia Murphy, 2 p.m., Grand Island Senior High Auditorium. Event highlights the restoration of the school’s Steinway Model D grand piano — the Rolls Royce of pianos — it has owned since the 1980s. An exhibit of student artworks will be on display before and after the concert. A reception will follow; free.
Bingo, hosted by Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1159, 7:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Cathedral Square, 112 S. Cedar.
Bingo, 2 p.m., United Veterans Club, 1914 W. Capital, Grand Island. Doors open at 1; open to the public; 308-381-1555.
Monday, April 15
“Jersey Boys,” Grand Island Little Theatre summer show auditions, 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, College Park (use the backstage double doors on the southwest corner of the auditorium; door number 3). Cast features nine men and nine women of various ages; have a song prepared (bring music, accompanist provided. Production dates are June 12-16 (with two performances June 15); Steven Spencer, director, 308-391-0381; Greg Sanchez, music director, 308-383-1652; Jeannee Fossberg, producer, 308-379-2015.
Writing workshop and poetry reading, featuring Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason, 1 p.m., Espressions: Coffee & Community, 1117 M St., Aurora. Workshop runs from 1 to 2 p.m. ($10, registration required); reading starts at 2:30 (no charge); 402-694-3214 or www.tlcespressions.org
“The Queen’s Road: Nebraska’s Bumpy Ride to Statehood,” a Humanities Nebraska program presented by Jeff Barnes, 7 p.m., Alice M. Farr Library, 1603 L St., Aurora. Barnes’s talk covers the transitional years of the Nebraska Territory, as its borders shrunk but its national significance increased; program includes historic images, maps and anecdotes in the telling of Nebraska’s sometimes shaky trek to statehood. Free; 402-694-2272.
Scrabble Game Night, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Primrose Retirement, second floor Pub, Capital Avenue and North Road, Grand Island. All players welcome; bring a Scrabble board if you have one. Games regularly offered the third Monday of the month. No registration required, but masks are while in the building; La Vonne Catron, 308-382-2663.
Wednesday, April 17
“Say It Out Loud,” presented by the University of Nebraska at Kearney theater, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Studio Theatre, UNK Fine Arts Building. General admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors 55 and older, and non-UNK students; and $7 per person for groups of 10 or more; free for UNK students. Box office: 308-865-8417; boxoffice@unk.edu
“A Perk and a Prayer,” 7 to 9 a.m., free drive-thru coffee, First-Faith United Methodist Church parking lot, 4190 W. Capital Ave., Grand Island (weather permitting); 308-384-5620.
Bingo, 1 p.m., Grand Generation Center, 304 E. Third St., Grand Island; 308-385-5308.
Thursday, April 18
“For the Love of Children” banquet and celebration, the Venue at Bosselman Enterprises; social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner and awards presentation follow at 6:30. Hosted by the Association for Child Abuse Prevention, in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Nebraska, Boys Town, First Light, Heartland CASA and Willow Rising. Tickets are $40 and available from any of the hosting organizations; Erin Howe, 308-385-5125 or ehowe@heartlandcasa.org.
Community Dance, 6:30 p.m., Tabitha at Prairie Commons, 3490 Ewold St. (just west of Grand Island Regional Medical Center). Event includes salsa lessons, followed by social dancing until 8 p.m. Free; Christine Hollister, 308-850-7975.
Tabitha’s Closet, free clothing giveaway, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Stolley Park Church of Christ, 2822 W. Stolley Park Road, Grand Island. Clothing donations accepted; no housewares; 308-384-2613.
Bingo, 7 p.m., United Veterans Club, 1914 W. Capital, Grand Island. Doors open at 6; open to the public; 308-381-1555.
Friday, April 19
“In Our 90s Era,” to benefit the Grand Island YWCA, 7 to 11 p.m.. Riverside Golf Club. Guests will step back in time to a 1990s-themed dance for an evening of nostalgia and giving. The event will feature a DJ and dance floor, silent auction items, appetizers and drinks. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their 90s-themed attire, as there will also be a best-dressed contest. Tickets are $50 per person or two for $90 and are available online at www.ywca-gi.org; Amy Bennett at abennett@ywca-gi.org or 308-384-9922.
“Tuesdays with Morrie,” presented by the Grand Island Little Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, College Park auditorium. Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for children 12 and younger; box office: 308-382-2586 or githeatre.org
Country Hoedown, a fundraiser to benefit the Grand Generation Center, 1 to 3 p.m., 304 E. Third St. Even includes a meal (pulled pork barbecue slider, cowboy beans, chips, beverage), square dancers, cowboy trivia, photo booth, music, line dancing, raffle and more. Costumes encourage, but not required; $10; 308-385-5308.
Coloring with Pastor Kelly, 2 p.m., the Chocolate Bar, 116 W. Third St., Grand Island. Adult coloring get-together led by the Rev. Kelly Karges of Trinity United Methodist Church most Friday afternoons; 308-382-1952.
Saturday, April 20
Kiwanis Pancake Day, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Mary’s Square, 112 S. Cedar St. Tickets are $8 for adults, $3 for children 11 and younger Proceeds will benefit children in the community and worldwide.
Cameron Cemetery tour, hosted by the Hall County Historical Society to benefit the Cameron maintenance fund, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 16280 W. Stolley Park Road; $10 for all participants.
Stolley Park Railroad, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Grand Island. Tickets are $3.50 for anyone age 3 and older; children age 2 and younger ride for free with a paying adult. Punch cards and group rates available. All dates and times are weather permitting; 308-389-0290.
Sunday, April 21
Nifty Burgers at the Station, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Burlington Station, Sixth and Plum streets. Event launches the Hall County Historical Society’s 2024 Go Big GIVE campaign; suggested donation is $12.50 per person; www.hallnehistory.com
“Born to Rein,” a Humanities Nebraska program to celebrate 150 years of the Kentucky Derby, 2 p.m., Burlington Station. Hosted by the Hall County Historical Society; free; www.hallnehistory.com
“Living the Anabaptist Story,” a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first Mennonite immigrant’s arrival in the Henderson area, 6:30 p.m., Henderson Mennonite Heritage Park (1½ miles south of the Henderson I-80 Exit #342 on spur 93A). The reenactment will begin with the Reformation and end with the persecutions endured by the Anabaptists. No admission charge; but freewill offerings are always appreciated; Suzanne, 402-723-4252.
“S98 Finale: Spring Spectacular,” presented by the Hastings Symphony Orchestra with special guest Clark Potter, 3 p.m., Masonic Center Auditorium, 411 N. Hastings, Hastings. Tickets are $22 for adults, and $20 for seniors age 60 and older; students admitted free; HastingsSymphony.com
Springfest, a celebration of the planting season, 12th annual, 1 to 5 p.m., Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning, 4705 DLD Road, just west of Hastings. Activities for all ages will include family activities, farm animals, farm equipment displays, vendors, food and more. Free; donations appreciated; www.prairieloft.org
Open Celtic Music Session, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W. Second St. Listeners and all skill levels welcome. Bring your acoustic instrument and a music stand. Sheet music will be provided. Come early to tune; sessions offered most first and third Sundays of the month; Laura Fentress, 308-385-5333.
Hastings College second senior art thesis exhibition lecture, 2 to 4 p.m., Wilson Center Auditorium, 814 N. Turner Ave. Reception follows at the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center, 700 E 12th St., Hastings; hastings.edu.
UNK Choral Concert, featuring several choirs, 7:30 p.m., University of Nebraska Fine Arts Recital Hall; free; 308-865-8618.
Southern dinner and fish fry, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1104 A St., Aurora, Menu includes jambalaya, fried chicken, biscuits, red beans and rice, sweet potato pie, corn bread, barbecued ribs, fried fish and much more. Freewill offerings will go to support church missions the Pediatric Cancer Action Network, which provided financial grants to Nebraska families who have a child diagnosed with cancer; Shari Peters, 402-631-7642.
Bingo, 2 p.m., United Veterans Club, 1914 W. Capital, Grand Island. Doors open at 1; open to the public; 308-381-1555.
Bingo, hosted by Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1159, 7:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Cathedral Square, 112 S. Cedar.
On Display
Hastings College second senior art theses exhibition, featuring the work of several students through April 25, Jackson Dinsdale Art Gallery, 700 E. 12th St., Hastings (third exhibition runs from April 29 through May 5). Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (special hours for this exhibit: noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays); no admission charge.
Connie McHenry and Kenneth Bassett, artwork on display through April 17; Little Golden Books, April 22 through May 2, Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W. Second St. Library hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; 308-385-5333 or www.gilibrary.org
Association of Nebraska Art Clubs 2023 Traveling Exhibit, through April 24, Warehouse Gallery and Fine Arts Center, 381 N. Walnut. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Free: Kay Grimminger, 308-379-5207.
“Hometown: A Nostalgic Chain of Memories,” featuring original works by famed Grand Island watercolor artist, illustrator and printmaker Grant Reynard, plus other work by contemporary artists from across Nebraska, through April 28, Stuhr Museum. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission for nonmembers is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for children 6-12; 308-385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org
Aurora Public Schools student art exhibit, through April 30, Plainsman Museum, 210 S. 16th S., Aurora. Museum hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; it is closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 60 and older, and $4 for students age 5-17; children 4 and younger admitted free; 402-694-6531 or email plainsman@hamilton.net