- John A. Gale
Birthday parties discontinued for 2012. Secretary of State John Gale reluctantly has decided to suspend statehood birthday parties for 2012. Gale based his decision on two factors: (1) budget constraints and (2) the need to focus on the 2012 statewide elections in his role as the state’s chief election officer. He said his office hopes to renew the statehood birthday program in 2013. If you have questions about the program, contact Sharon Hambek at (402) 471-6044 or sos.events@nebraska.gov.
A fun tradition of the Secretary of State’s Office is entertaining school children at birthday parties commemorating the anniversary of Nebraska becoming a state on March 1, 1867. A series of birthday parties have been held throughout the state to observe the anniversary.
From 2001-11, Secretary of State John Gale annually hosted statehood birthday parties. During that period, it is estimated that the parties attracted 30,000 students.
Students attending the free parties enjoy musical entertainment, sing-alongs, people in historical costumes and a chance to showcase their knowledge of Nebraska history. Of course, no birthday party would be complete without a birthday treat for each student.
The parties are designed to provide fun in an educational setting. The parties are part of Gale’s civics education mission to promote state history, state pride and good citizenship.
For 2011, eight parties were held from April 11-14 in the following cities: 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.
The troupe members for the 2011 parties included Gale (portraying Cactus Jack), Chris Sayre (Sodbuster Sam), David Seay (Deadwood Dave), Tom Bassett (Casey Jones) and 2011 Miss Rodeo Nebraska Becky Grimm.
View photos from each party on the 2011 tour:
View information about Nebraska:
History of Nebraska
