FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2016, 5:00 p.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402.872.2429
Peru, Nebraska- Community members from Brownville, Nebraska City and Peru are in the planning stages
of a Gran Fondo from the Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City through Peru and the Peru State
College Campus to Brownville and their Old Time Autumn Festival. Each community is
also planning a festival to draw more than bike riders to the event.
Amy Allgood, Executive Director Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce and Steamboat Trace
Festival Committee member, said, “It is only fitting Nebraska City, Peru and Brownville
collaborate on an event to celebrate Nebraska’s rich history while focusing on the
future of Nebraska.”
“The Steamboat Trace Trail and these three historical towns are the perfect venue.”
A gran fondo is a long-distance bicycle race first held in Italy. The Steamboat Trace
Gran Fondo will stretch 42 miles round trip from the starting point in Nebraska City,
through Peru and Brownville, and back to Nebraska City.
The Nebraska Statehood 150 websites writes, “The Gran Fondo will begin at one Nebraska
treasure, Arbor Lodge and end at another, Brownville. Participants will experience
farmland at or near harvest; the Missouri River and bluffs; southeast Nebraska flora
and fauna; a historic trail; and three historic towns.”
Bryan Bequette, mayor of Nebraska City, said, “We’re all looking forward to a great
outdoor event along the Steamboat Trace and working with other communities to plan
this Signature Event.”
Bryan Bequette accepts a certificate declaring the Gran Fondo a signature event from members of the Nebraska State Sesquicentennial Commission, Dr. Sara Crook and Dr. Dan Holtz.
Dr. Dan Hanson, president of Peru State College, said, “The City of Peru and Peru State College are very excited to be a part of the Gran Fondo, the planned festivals and the regional planning. With our own sesquicentennial anniversary in 2017, it’s never been a better time to visit Peru.”
Dr. Dan Hanson accepts a certificate declaring the Gran Fondo a Signature Event from members of the Nebraska State Sesquicentennial Commission, Dr. Sara Crook and Dr. Dan Holtz.
E150.org continues, “Each festival will be unique, foster community involvement, fellowship and pride in our state. Buses will run services to each town. Old Time Autumn Festival in Brownville will showcase the arts. Peru’s festival will showcase Peru State College and its unique trailhead with presentations from Nebraska Humanities speakers Dr. Bill Clemente and Dr. Dan Holtz. Nebraska City will host the banquet, Gran Fondo and a festival involving each orchard and the community.”
Paul Fish, member of the Brownville Village Board and the Brownville Historical Society, said, “Brownville is planning an entire weekend. The Gran Fondo will become part of our 15-year Old Time Autumn tradition. The whole village is looking forward to next October.”
Paul Fish accepts a certificate declaring the Gran Fondo a Signature Event from members of the Nebraska State Sesquicentennial Commission, Dr. Sara Crook and Dr. Dan Holtz.
NE150.org writes, “Successful applications to be a Signature Event or other partner will, among other attributes: bridge Nebraskans across different communities, perspectives and cultures; build a connection with every citizen to the Nebraska 150 celebration and the state; instill in every Nebraskan a greater sense of pride in our state; encourage connection to Nebraska’s history and heritage; celebrate Nebraska’s cultural and ethnic diversity; foster a spirit of community involvement and enrichment; and create an engaging educational opportunity.”
Bryan Bequette, Dr. Dan Hanson and Paul Fish accept a certificate declaring the Gran Fondo a signature event from members of the Nebraska State Sesquicentennial Commission, Dr. Sara Crook and Dr. Dan Holtz.
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