Kearny is a fairly large city, covering over 12 square miles. The Kearney Amphitheater in Kearney’s Jesse James park is the scene of concerts, movies and theater in the park. The setting of the amphitheater is picturesque, overlooking a spring fed lake. The Annual Jesse James Festival held in Kearney during the third week in September. Kearny, when it was called Centreville, is the birthplace and boyhood home of Jesse James and his final resting place. However, the festival is not held to honor the outlaw but as a reminder of an historical era which had a great impact on the country. The festivals events include a barbecue, Demolition Derby, Territorial shoot, the Little Miss & Mister competition, all kinds of crafts, a rodeo, mud volleyball, a carnival, the Kruisin’ Kearney car show and 5K and 10K runs. There is also a Firefighters Muster and Equipment show and Chainsaw Carving show
as well lots of food.

Judges

Hon. Larry Butcher