DILLER -- A tractor pull, pasture golf, mud draggers, a variety of entertainment and even some free gas giveaways will be among the highlights of the 112th annual Diller Picnic starting Thursday.
Diller Community Club Diller Picnic Committee Chairman Doug Lottman said there are some changes to the scheduling of this year’s picnic, beginning with the weekend it’s being held.
“We’ve never had (the Diller Picnic) on the Fourth,” he said, and the only reason they did this year is because it was the only date they could get the carnival scheduled for.
As a result, this year’s picnic with kick off on Thursday with the Bush Pullers Tractor Pull, normally held on Friday during the celebration, but because the pullers were scheduled elsewhere on the fourth they moved it to Thursday.
The tractor pull will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the south end of Diller.
“Last year we increased the purse amount for pullers and gained more participants. We are looking at having even more tractors again this year and putting on a good show,” Lottman said.
He said something new with the tractor pull for the early birds, anybody there before 8 p.m. can register for a drawing for $100 of free gas.
Also on Thursday evening it’s dollar night at the carnival, with rides costing $1 per time, starting at 7 p.m.
Then shortly after dark, about 10 p.m., the fireworks display will begin, Lottman said.
With the tractor pull moved to Thursday, this year the Mid-States Mud-Draggers returns as part of Friday’s events, he said.
That event starts at 10 a.m. and will run through the day.
Lottman said the first couple of years of having that event in Diller was a learning experience as the pit was a little too deep and some three- and four- wheelers couldn’t get through it. But they’ve shallowed up the pit some to combat that and invited anybody out to try their hand at the mud drag.
“Anybody who wants to see how fast they can get through the mud in their three- or four-wheeler or stock pickup, bring it out,” he said. “It’s not just for those on the circuit, it’s for anybody who would like to see how fast their truck can get through the mud.”
Entry fee to participate is $25, with each entrant getting three passes.
For a little free entertainment in the park, Lottman said the McClellan sisters will perform at 8 p.m. Friday.
He said Saturday kicks off with the annual pasture golf tournament put on by the Diller Downtown Athletic Club with the profits going to the Wymore Country Club’s equipment fund. Participants register for the tournament at C&C Processing.
“That’s always a lot of fun,” Lottman said. “Hopefully we’ll get a full crowd for golfing in the pasture.”
Saturday evening’s events will include a barbecue at the Diller Opera House beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the parade at 7 p.m.
Lottman said there is no admission for spectators or floats in the parade, and late entries are allowed.
Free entertainment will be provided in the park about 8:30 p.m. by the Homestead Harmonizers, and then a street dance featuring Dustin Evans and his band Goodtimes will start at 9 p.m.
Lottman said for there will be a chance to register for a drawing for $100 of free gas for those early birds who arrive at the dance before 10 p.m.
Schedule of events
Thursday
6:30 p.m. Nebraska Bush Pullers Tractor Pull.
7 p.m. carnival midway opens.
10 p.m. fireworks display.
7 p.m.-midnight Bingo.
Friday
10 a.m. Mid-State Mud Draggers, midway open.
8 p.m. McClellan Sisters perform in the park.
7 p.m.-midnight Bingo.
Saturday
10 a.m. 17th Annual Pasture Golf Tournament.
4 p.m.-9 p.m. Sweet Creations serving sandwiches, pies and ice cream at the Community Building.
5 p.m. Bills BBQ Chicken Barbecue at the Opera House.
7 p.m. parade, beer garden and dance to follow the parade.
9 p.m. Dustin Evans and Goodtimes band performs.
8:30 p.m. Homestead Harmonizers perform in the park.
7 p.m.-midnight Bingo.