“We Are Nebraska Counties” is NACO’s contribution to the “We Are Counties” campaign led by the National Association of Counties. Telling the county story lets us showcase the people and places that make Nebraska unique while simultaneously highlighting the important role that county governments play nationwide.
Here’s Otoe County’s story:
Otoe County’s robust event calendar and rich courthouse history are points of pride for the county. The parades, fairs, and holiday traditions bring county residents and people from around the state together year-round.
According to Otoe County Commissioner Rick Freshman, the standout event in the county seat is the AppleJack Festival, which draws tens of thousands of people to Nebraska City every year to enjoy the parade, food, entertainment, and local vendors.
Syracuse hosts both the annual GermanFest celebration and the Otoe County Fair. Unadilla is considered the Groundhog Day capital of Nebraska, and every year, residents come together for a parade and the annual crowning of the Groundhog King and Queen.
“All of these big events are great because they attract people not only from the county, but from all over the state,” Freshman said. “It’s great because we get to show off what Otoe County has to offer.”
The county’s legacy goes beyond its traditions and events. Two years before the Nebraska Territory was granted statehood in 1867, William R. Cragi and F.W. Wood completed construction on the Otoe County Courthouse. The courthouse is not only the oldest operational courthouse in Nebraska but also the oldest public building in the state.
This year, the America 250: Nebraska City committee created a time capsule that was buried in the lawn outside of the Otoe County Courthouse. They hosted a ceremony for the Nebraska City High School and Lourdes Central Catholic School senior classes to bury the capsule. It is set to be opened in 50 years during America’s tricentennial celebration.
“This courthouse has been here so long, and we’ve done a lot to preserve it, so I hope that when people come back in 50 years to open that time capsule, our courthouse will still be standing,” Freshman said.
Freshman said that in his years as commissioner, he has seen that rain or shine, people flock to Otoe County to attend celebrations and events to engage with the county’s rich history.
