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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman will help launch the newest U.S. quarter-dollar featuring Nebraska landmark Chimney Rock at ceremonies being held on Friday, April 7. More than 4,100 schoolchildren from across the state will attend public launch events being held in Lincoln, Kearney and Gering. Nebraskans of all ages are invited to take part in the statewide celebration.
The theme chosen for the quarter launch is “Our Journey Continues,” which pays tribute to the pioneers that traveled west in search of new opportunities.
“This quarter will be a reminder of the vitality, spirit and determination that has long been a trademark of our great state,” Gov. Heineman said. “The determination of those who settled and founded Nebraska continues, and this celebration is an opportunity to reconnect to the history of our state as we look toward a prosperous future.”
Each launch will begin with entertainment featuring living history demonstrations and performances by musicians, cultural dancers and vocal groups highlighting Nebraska’s richness of history and diversity.
The celebration in Lincoln will be held at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) city campus. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. CT with pre-launch festivities beginning around 9 a.m. CT featuring performances by the Lincoln Boys Choir, UNL Scarlet & Cream Singers, Lincoln High School Symphonic Band, and a special HuskerVision presentation created for the event. The launch ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. CT, and is expected to conclude by 10:30 a.m. CT.
First Lady Sally Ganem, who serves as chairwoman of the quarter launch committee, said, “As an educator, I want to encourage Nebraskans to join us in celebrating this new quarter and our state’s history. This is an opportunity for Nebraska students to learn not only the history, but to celebrate and pass on the tremendous pride we have in our great state.”
Following the ceremony, students and attendees are invited to take part in educational presentations led by Matthew “Sitting Bear” Jones, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, portrayed by Terry Lane, and local musicians Chris Sayre and Dan Holtz highlighting the music of Nebraska.
Each student attending one of the quarter launch events will receive a new Nebraska quarter, featuring a pioneer family traveling by covered wagon and historic landmark Chimney Rock. A cash-only exchange for $5 commemorative quarter sets and $10 rolls of the new quarter will follow the launch ceremonies.
Festivities scheduled as part of the central Nebraska launch will begin at 11:30 a.m. CT, with performances by the Kearney High School Fiddlers Group, Kearney Catholic High School Madrigal Group, and Native American dancers at the University of Nebraska at Kearney Health and Sports Center. The central Nebraska ceremony will follow at 12:15 p.m. CT.
Entertainment for the western Nebraska launch will begin at 1:15 p.m. MT with the Lakota and Los Guadalupaños Dancers at the Five Rocks Amphitheater in Gering. The final quarter launch ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. MT.
Those attending the Lincoln event are encouraged to approach the Devaney Center from the west, entering at 14th Street and Military Road. Parking attendants will be on hand to provide direction, and ushers will be available to direct guests to seating once inside. Handicapped parking is located on the east side of Devaney.
More information about the Nebraska quarter and launch celebrations is available online at http://www.nequarter.com. The Web site features games and educational materials for children and teachers, launch agendas and links to more information about the U.S. quarter, in addition to directions and maps to launch events.
The Nebraska quarter launch celebration is funded by private contributions from Nebraska businesses.
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