Haigler Community Foundation

Programs: The year 2017 was once again filled with many program service accomplishments. Twelve program events were hosted by the foundation, and partnerships developed throughout the tri-state communities we serve. New events this year included haigler village garage sales sponsorship, eclipse blackout sales, and a tractor show, parade, and rodeo. Held in april, the 1st tractor show was very successful and will become one of the annual events. Other programs and events included a winter holiday festival, labor day sales, cowboy and cowgirl roundup, bunny bag sales, memorial and alumni weekend events, independence day celebrations, dundy roo spring festival, tumbleweed fall festival, and the annual haigler gun and craft show. Again one of the most popular and successful community event was the 3rd annual spring dundy roo festival at the cornerstone center for community service. Billed as a festival extraordinaire and the best darn art, craft, wine and brew festival . Over 50 artists, art guilds, crafters, and vendors displayed their work. Over 400 people attended the festival. Our tradition of bringing 'the arts' to this part of rural southwest nebraska held true again in partnering with the nebraska arts council for another touring grant to bring an accomplished purveyor of acoustic-based family entertainment, singer, songwriter, performer--paul siebert to perform on stage.

the 2nd program service accomplishment focuses once again on the annual fall tumbleweed festival. 2017 was the 10th year for this event held on the haigler museum grounds, main street and highway 34. The 1st year of this festival was a fundraiser to move a one-room country schoolhouse from the country to town, with the long range goal of preserving, and renovating to become haigler's first museum. This goal was accomplished in 5 years. People in our communities kept donating historical artifacts so additional buildings and land were donated to add more museums. The tumbleweed festival focuses on all of the museums--now owned by the haigler community foundation. The newest addition is the haigler conoco station along highway 34. It is being renovated as dollars allow and goal is for it to become an additional museum and tourist stop. We are working with other entities in our community, tourism groups, and the state to make this happen. The tumbleweed festival has been featured in newspapers and magazines. Over 500 people attend this event, all museums are open, food and drink, musical entertainment, parade, pumpkin decorating, tumbleweed contests, chili-cook-off, games, treasure hunts, and a full day of activities are held.

the 3rd program service accomplishment was the 4th annual haigler gun and craft show held the weekend before thanksgiving. This event has become one of the most successful and well attended. Over 600 people from at least 6 states viewed the event for 2017. Our rural community is working with tourism groups at the county and state levels to focus on the hunting and fishing opportunities here. The closest gun show held throughout the year is at least 75 miles from haigler; many in the community requested that we try to host a show. With at least 20 gun vendors in the gymnasium and 40 craft vendors in suites and hallways, many displays are available. Food is provided throughout the weekend for those attending. One of the disadvantages of this november event has been the cold weather, and the gymnasium at the cornerstone center was not heated as the old boiler system was discontinued. Through a matching grant with usda, we were able to install heating and air conditioning in the gymnasium--enabling the center to now become a major event center year round in a comfortable environment. This year's gun & craft show was most successful, and the event continues to grow each year.