"There once was a poet who loved beer,
All lagers and ales he held dear.
So some folks held a fest,
to pick the beer he'd like best,
and everyone had good cheer!"
-- anonymous
BANCROFT, Neb. -- Famed poet and author John Neihardt used to delight in
reading limericks he said were penned by "a fella I know."
That love of limericks -- really written by Neihardt himself -- will
be revived at the 3rd annual Neihardt Beer Festival, Saturday, Aug. 6.
The event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Country Pub in
Bancroft, the home of the John Neihardt State Historic Site.
The Fest is a prelude to the 47th annual Neihardt Day program held at
1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Historic Site in Bancroft.
Richard E. Jensen, formerly a research anthropologist with the Nebraska State Historical Society, will discuss his works "Happy as a Big Sunflower: the diary of Rolf Johnson" and "Eyewitness to Wounded Knee." There will also be readings from Neihardt’s autobiography by board member Randy Lukasiewicz. Moderator will be Ron Hull of NET.
At the Beer Fest on Saturday, prizes will be awarded to the best beer-related limerick, and the best overall beer. A panel
of celebrities will chose the top Nebraska-brewed craft brew.
A dozen craft breweries and distributors are participating,
with nearly 30 styles of unique lagers, porters and ales being offered
to sample. Appetizers are also available.
The Beer Fest is a fund-raiser for the John Neihardt State Historic Site
in Bancroft. It pays homage to the great love of beer of Neihardt, the
poet laureate in perpetuity for Nebraska and the author of "Black Elk
Speaks."
Tickets for that event cost $20. For $25, advance purchased tickets will include a free Neihardt glass mug. Additional mugs may be purchased for $8. They can be ordered by calling the Neihardt Center, 1-888-777-4667, on-line at neihardt@gpcom.net or from any foundation board member. You must be 21 to participate in the tastings; ID required.
Designated drivers are admitted free, and rides home will be
available. Overnight lodging can be arranged in nearby West Point and
Pender.
Anyone who buys a Beer Fest ticket can submit a limerick or two for the top prize.
