Nebraska Day: Cornhusking Contest | Zoo & Aquarium | Kool-Aid | Nebraska movie | Boys Don’t Cry | Children of the Corn | Election |
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April 5 marks Nebraska Day, a time to celebrate the Cornhusker State. Nebraska became the 37th state on March 1, 1867. Known for its vast prairies and strong agricultural heritage, it plays a crucial role in American farming. The state produces more than a billion bushels of corn each year. Nebraska also hosts unique festivals, including the National Cornhusking Contest held each fall, a tradition dating back to the 1920s. This event showcases the state’s deep farming roots.
If rows and rows of cornstalks gently swaying in don’t do it for you, how about visiting the an indoor dessert or walking through a shark tunnel? Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of Nebraska’s most famous attractions, often ranked among the best zoos in the world. Spanning over 160 acres, it features the world’s largest indoor desert, the largest indoor rainforest in North America, and a massive underground exhibit that replicates the diverse ecosystems of the world. The zoo is also home to the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, where visitors can walk through a 70-foot shark tunnel. With its groundbreaking conservation efforts and immersive exhibits, the Henry Doorly Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families alike.
But did you know that Nebraska is also the home of Kool-Aid. Invented in 1927 by Edwin Perkins in the small town of Hastings, Kool-Aid quickly became a staple of American childhood, with its bright colors and sugary flavors making it an iconic drink. The city celebrates this history with the annual Kool-Aid Days festival, featuring themed events and, of course, plenty of Kool-Aid to go around. Kool-Aid Day is celebrated each year on August 15. The 2025 Kool-Aid Days festival will be held August 15-17, 2025 at the Adams County Fairgrounds.
The Movie Nebraska (2013)
When I saw it was Nebraska Day, my mind immediately went to the film Nebraska. While I’m a fan of classic black-and-white cinema—Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and the like—Alexander Payne’s use of monochrome in this film felt different. Rather than nostalgic or timeless, it created an atmosphere that was stark, distant, and uninviting—an aesthetic choice that perfectly mirrored the strained relationships at the film’s core. Nebraska is a film that thrives on discomfort, masterfully capturing the quiet, often unspoken struggles of fractured families trying to bridge the emotional distance between them.
Directed by Alexander Payne, Nebraska (2013) follows Woody Grant (Bruce Dern), an aging man convinced he won a million-dollar sweepstakes. His skeptical son, David (Will Forte), reluctantly drives him to Lincoln to claim the non-existent prize. Along the way, they reconnect with family and face small-town gossip. June Squibb, as Woody’s outspoken wife, steals many scenes with her sharp tongue and wry wit.
Beyond the road trip premise, Nebraska examines family relationships, aging, and the impact of small-town life. Bruce Dern delivers a career-defining performance, capturing the quiet stubbornness of an aging father. While slow-paced, the film rewards patient viewers with a deeply human story.
Other Movies Set in Nebraska
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)
Kimberly Peirce directed Boys Don’t Cry (1999), a heartbreaking drama based on real events. Starring Hilary Swank as Brandon Teena, the film follows a young transgender man navigating life in rural Nebraska. The story turns tragic when local residents discover Brandon’s identity, leading to violence. Chloë Sevigny plays Lana, Brandon’s girlfriend, while Peter Sarsgaard and Brendan Sexton III portray the film’s antagonists.
Swank’s performance earned her an Academy Award, praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. The film doesn’t shy away from harsh realities, making it an unsettling but necessary watch. Boys Don’t Cry is a powerful exploration of identity, discrimination, and resilience. Critics lauded its raw storytelling, though its brutal content remains difficult for many viewers.
Children of the Corn (1984)
Based on Stephen King’s short story, in his book Night Shift – the Children of the Corn (1984) movi is a cult horror classic. Directed by Fritz Kiersch, the film stars Peter Horton and Linda Hamilton as a couple stranded in a seemingly deserted Nebraska town. They soon discover that a child-led cult, headed by the eerie Isaac (John Franklin), has eliminated all adults.
As a young teen, babysitting and watching this on late-night TV, I was scared out of my gourd. That is, until the cheesy special effects and the feel-good happy ending that was totally different than the book. Malachai played by Courtney Gains was so menacing, and John Franklin playing Isaac with that creepy little voice – they were scarier than whatever was in that cornfield.
The eerie cornfield setting and creepy performances contribute to its unsettling atmosphere. It spawned numerous sequels, cementing its place in pop culture.
Election (1999)
Alexander Payne’s Election (1999) takes a satirical look at high school politics in Omaha. Reese Witherspoon stars as Tracy Flick, an overachieving student determined to win the student council election. Matthew Broderick plays Jim McAllister, a bitter teacher who tries to sabotage Tracy’s campaign. Chris Klein and Jessica Campbell round out the cast as unexpected contenders in the race.
Election brilliantly critiques ambition, power struggles, and morality in American society. Witherspoon’s performance is both hilarious and unsettling, making Tracy one of cinema’s most memorable characters. The film’s sharp writing and dark humor earned it critical acclaim, though its cynical tone isn’t for everyone. Over two decades later, Election remains a relevant and biting satire.
Nebraska’s Lasting Impact on Film
From quiet dramas to chilling horror, Nebraska has left its mark on Hollywood. These films capture different aspects of the state, whether its vast landscapes, small-town dynamics, or deep-rooted traditions. As Nebraska Day rolls around, it’s worth celebrating both the state and the unforgettable movies inspired by it.