Blog

Sep 22, 2023

Full day on tap as G & P hosts Extravaganza

The lineup is full and there’s something for everyone as staff at Enders

The lineup is full and there's something for everyone as staff at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area host their Outdoor Extravaganza on Saturday. New events and two concerts fill the day which begins early with a 5K run and concludes late with the Jake Jacobson concert. All activities will center around the Area A campground near the lake. This year marks the third Extravaganza in as many years after the successful 2021 event that celebrated the state park's 100th year. Lake Supt. Beau Licking and Extravaganza coordinator Dayna Scherbarth are ready for the crowd Saturday. A lot of the past two weeks has been spent on cleanup after the area's heavy rains, but Licking said Wednesday things are in good shape. "We are setting good. The crew has been working hard," he said. Mowing was to be finished Wednesday, with tents for activities also going up. Thursday and Friday will be spent on final details, he said. New activities on the lineup this year include a cornhole tournament, archery, axe throwing and "Old West Encampment" demos including Mountain Man, Buffalo Hunter and the return of Blacksmithing. Activities that include kayaking, the axe throwing, petting zoo, bouncy house and more run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are five different vehicle shows this year as motorcycles and boats have been added to the working truck, car and tractor divisions, Licking said. Attendees will have a chance to vote for People's Choice in each division. Staff encourages preregistration for all the vehicle shows by calling the park office, 308-394-5118. Craft booths will be set up on site from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. At 3 p.m., Steve Gould will begin his trick shooting show. He was part of the Gould Brothers who performed at the first Extravaganza. It's a solo show this year, Scherbarth said. Licking said the maximum of 12 teams are registered for the smoke-off sponsored by Wheeler Ranch. Teams will be smoking pork butt, pork loin and ribs, as they vie for Grand and Reserve Champion honors. There will also be a fun BBQ sauce division this year. People will get to sample their work at a 4:30 p.m. first come, first served BBQ meal. Awards will be announced at 6 p.m. Park passes for entry into ELRA will be sold on site that day at entrance points, Scherbarth said. Licking said all vehicles should enter the grounds just south of the Highway 6/61 junction near the covered wagon display.Pair of concerts this year The first of two concerts from 4 to 7 p.m. features BD and the Boys, who hail from the Grand Island area. Scherbarth said they play "a little bit of everything." Jake Jacobson, an up-and-coming country singer, will close out the scheduled events with a 7:15 p.m. concert. See a schedule of all the events on page 14 in this week's issue. Numerous sponsors are helping put on this year's Extravaganza, said G & P staff.