By Kerri Rempp
To celebrate the Nebraska Arts Council’s designation of the Open Frontier Creative District in Chadron, several partners are presenting the Open Frontier Fest: Creative District Showcase Oct. 4.
The Nebraska Creative District Program utilizes the arts as an economic driver to support communities in Nebraska by telling their stories and elevating the value of the arts. Chadron’s Open Frontier Creative District encompasses Chadron State College, War Memorial Park and the high school campus, frontage along Main Street, the Downtown Historical District, Art Alley, the Chadron Public Library and the Chadron Arts Center.
“There are already more arts and culture activities taking place within the footprint than many people likely realize. One of the goals of the committee is to highlight just how much Chadron has to offer in the arts and culture segment,” Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp said. “To highlight the district’s designation and all of the unique events and activities in it, the creative district committee is pleased to announce the Open Frontier Fest event.”
Scheduled for Oct. 4 from 5-8 p.m., the committee is actively planning the showcase.
“We already have a fun line-up of activities, and several of our creative industry businesses will be open for shopping and dining,” said Chadron Chamber of Commerce Director Gabby Michna. “We invite everyone to come to Downtown Chadron and enjoy all it has to offer.”
Activities on tap for the evening include sidewalk chalk art, mini pumpkin decorating, painting with wool and live demonstrations of screen printing, gymnastics and dance. There is also an art show, open mic night and other events planned. Visit https://discovernwnebraska.com/open-frontier-fest/ to see the complete list of activities. Businesses or artists interested in taking part still have time to plan after-hours shopping or demonstrations. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 432-4401 to be listed on the event webpage.
“The Open Frontier Fest is a great introduction to Downtown Chadron for visitors, especially those planning to attend the Harvest Moon Fall Festival on October 5,” Rempp said. “We hope to see Harvest Moon vendors and attendees, along with local and regional residents, take advantage of the activities, shopping and dining opportunities.”
In the meantime, check out the Open Frontier Creative district website at https://discovernwnebraska.com/open-frontier-creative-distric/ to learn about all there is to see and do.