Best Rural Activities

Heart of America photo contest: capturing the essence of rural character

Nebraska-born author Wright Morris is regarded by many as one of America’s most gifted writers. But although he is best known as a writer he was also a multi-talented artist who experimented with new means of expression. In several of his novels, including National Book Award winners The Field of Vision and Plains Song, Morris, uses photography to extend and amplify the texture of his narrative prose.

This month the Holdrege Area Public Library, in conjunction with the Nebraska Arts Council, the Phelps County Community Foundation, the Phelps County Visitors Bureau and Mr. Harry Dahlstrom, will open the call for entries to The Heart of America, a Wright Morris-inspired photography contest. It is open to all residents of the State of Nebraska. Amateurs and professionals will be judged separately and prizes will be awarded in four categories: Color, Black and White, People and Best modern interpretation of the Wright Morris aesthetic.

Morris suggested it was the vastness of the sky, the bite of the winter wind, the never-ending struggle for rural people that made them unique and special. Did one live on the plains in spite of the terrible conditions? “No,” argued Morris, “one lived there because of it. Only where fools rush in are such things as heroes bred.” He reaches back to the pioneer legacy as a connection point, but in the end it’s the land itself that defines the character of the people. “There was never a people who tried so hard — and left so little behind as we do. There was never a people who traveled so light — and carried so much.”
This month, photographers in rural Nebraska are planning their shots or going through their digital files to find the photos that exemplify the character of our land and the character of the people it shaped. Check back for more about the Heart of America contest and exhibition as it goes along.

Click here for a fast-paced youtube video introduction to the contest and to learn how you can enter. To visit the Heart of America web page on the Holdrege Library site, click here.

Guide to country and small town events and entertainment

Fresh, funky, rugged and fun describe what we do for entertainment in Southwest and South Central Nebraska.  Whatever your interests – festivals, rodeos, car shows, marathons, fishing contests, bird watching, carnivals, county fairs, art galleries, theatre or music – you’ll find it happening here. Listed below are links to some of our favorite places to find fun things to do.

Auto racing in McCook.
www.mccookspeedway.com

Events in Alma and Harlan County Lake
www.almaisforyou.com/events.asp

Fishing by Kayakjak in Benkelman
www.kayakjak.com

Graham Gallery of Fine Art in Hastings
www.grahamgallery.com

Horse events and rodeo in McCook
www.kiplingerarena.com

Performing arts and art gallery in Red Cloud
www.willacather.org

Performing arts in Holdrege
www.thetassel.org

Performing arts, art gallery in Minden
www.mindenoperahouse.com

Tri-City Storm semi-pro ice hockey
www.pickmytickets.com

Visit Nebraska Wineries
www.nebraskawines.com

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