July packed with fun events in northwest state parks

Spend some time this summer in Nebraska’s northwest state parks. During July, a variety of events are planned for those for all ages and interests.

Don’t forget to purchase a required vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Fort Rob to host Fourth of July celebration

Come to Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford for a celebration of Independence Day on July 2-4.

Enjoy the 51st Western and Wildlife Art Show on July 2-4 at the Fort Robinson Veterinary Hospital. This free event will be open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mountain time July 2-3 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4.

The Children’s Wall of Art Contest will take place from 10 a.m.-noon July 3. This popular art contest is for children ages 2 to 18 years old. There is a $5 registration fee. Awards will be presented at 1 p.m. after the judge selects three winners in each age group.

From 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. July 4 at the Fort Robinson Restaurant, a buffet of fried chicken, green beans, au gratin potatoes, potato salad, dinner rolls, coffee, tea and lemonade will be served. The cost is $18.

From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the west lawn, barbecue burgers, potato salad, baked beans, tea, water and lemonade will be served. The cost is $12.

Buffalo Soldiers of the American West demonstration July 6-7

Step back in time and enjoy the historical cavalry demonstration Buffalo Soldiers of the American West on July 6-7 at Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford.

The program will include a flag presentation, mounted and dismounted cavalry drills, manual of arms, saber drills, and a history of the Buffalo Soldiers. They will have a tent camp set up where the public may interact with the reenactors, see historical artifacts and purchase souvenirs.

This one-hour demonstration is at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. July 6 and 10 a.m. July 7 at the Mare Barn Equestrian Center. Admission to the activity is free.

Wildcat Hills bioblitz set for July 19-20

Join natural resource experts and volunteers in discovering the biodiversity of the Wildcat Hills at a bioblitz July 19-20 at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center.

This free event is designed for the whole family but not dogs, which are not allowed as they might disturb wildlife.

There will be a bighorn sheep hike at 7:30 p.m. Mountain time July 19. Registration is required. The following day’s schedule includes a bird outing at 9 a.m., wildflower walk at 10 and insect program at 11.

For more information, call 308-436-3777. Register for the hike or get more details at the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.