Enders Extravaganza in June finalizing activities

    It’s just a month away—the 3rd annual Enders Extravaganza and a day full of activities at Enders Lake Recreation Area.
    Sponsored by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission with numerous partners, the event will be held Saturday, June 10. Most events are free with a park pass.
    Dayna Scherbarth, G&P employee, is lead coordinator of the extravaganza and said things are falling into place.
    The Smokin’ on the Lake barbecue contest is already full, she said, with 12 entries. Contestants will be cooking pork butt, pork loin and ribs, vying for Grand and Reserve Champion honors. There will also be a fun BBQ sauce event this year.
    Plaques donated by 5 Star Metal will go to the winners, she said. The overall Grand and Reserve Champions will earn cash awards. Wheeler Ranch is also a sponsor of the BBQ contest.
    Activities kick off at 7:30 a.m. with registration for the 5K run on the ELRA property. Proceeds from entry fees will go to the Combat Warriors organization
    Most of the day’s main events start at 9 a.m. including craft booths, an archery fun shoot hosted by the Frenchman Valley Archery Club, a petting zoo and more than one vehicle show.
    This year, there will be shows for cars, boats, motorcycles, working trucks and semi-tractors, Scherbarth said.
    Demos begin at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on blacksmithing, “mountain man” history and dutch oven cooking (the latter starts at 11 a.m.)
    At 1 p.m., the C2 Baggers are hosting a cornhole tournament—teams can sign up online at the Friends of Enders Facebook page.
    A trick shooting show begins at 3 p.m. on the grounds featuring Steve Gould. He was part of the Gould Brothers who have performed previously at the Extravaganza. It’s a solo show this year, Scherbarth said.
    The first of two concerts gets underway at 4:30 p.m. when  BD and the Boys perform. Scherbarth said they play “a little bit of everything.”
    At 5 p.m., a BBQ meal will be served when attendees can sample the meat from the contest that day. It’s a first come, first served meal, said Park Supt. Beau Licking. Freewill donations will be taken.
    Jake Jacobson, an up-and-coming country singer, will close out the scheduled events with a 7 p.m. concert.
    Grub’N 308 will be on site for food purchases, along with a coffee and ice cream truck.
    Park passes for entry into ELRA will be sold on site that day at entrance points, Scherbarth said.
Sponsors, volunteers vital
    Scherbarth and Licking said they are still looking for sponsors and volunteers to support all of the events and will be recognized at the Extravaganza.
    Sponsorships are available from $50 up to $1,500, they said.
    Volunteers will assist with many of the events throughout the day.
    Contact Scherbarth if interested at 308-233-1026.