Secretary Gale hosted eight Nebraska statehood birthday parties from April 11-14 for elementary school students. The parties were held in Columbus, Norfolk, Seward, Central City, Omaha (two parties), Fremont and Nebraska City. The parties were sponsored by Gale, the NEBRASKAland Foundation and the Nebraska Humanities Council. Gale, portraying Cactus Jack, is pictured performing at the Nebraska City party.

Students got the opportunity to learn and have fun at the parties. Pictured is the crowd at party at the Durham Museum in Omaha.

Troupe members (from left) David Seay, Secretary Gale, 2011 Miss Rodeo Nebraska Becky Grimm, Chris Sayre and Tom Bassett perform at the Seward party.

The students at the Fremont party show their enthusiasm during the festivities.

Along with Secretary Gale, students at the Central City party celebrate the lighting of candles on a birthday cake.