Panhandle Frontier Finds is coming up June 5–7, a regional shopping trail for western Nebraska.
“This three-day adventure will stretch from Bushnell to Gordon, Harrison to Big Springs — covering all 11 Panhandle counties,” said Jamie Bright, Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator. Shoppers will find antiques, collectibles, handmade goods, garage sales, food vendors, and plenty of small-town hospitality along the way. “It’s a road trip, a treasure hunt, and a tourism boost all rolled into one.”
In her role at the Nebraska Extension, Bright has helped support the volunteer committees organizing this first-year effort. A regional collaboration — communities working together instead of competing, all with the goal of bringing visitors (and their spending dollars) into the Panhandle. “We’ll even be surveying shoppers during the weekend so we can better estimate the economic impact and tell the story of what this weekend means for our towns,” she said.
Right now, March 1 is an important deadline for vendor listings or advertisements in the printed “Trail Book,” the official guide shoppers will use as they travel the route. The Trail Book will include maps, sale listings, and business ads. While anything purchased after March 1 will still appear online, it won’t be included in the printed guide, which many shoppers rely on when planning their stops.
The group is still looking for:
- Antique, collectible, and craft vendors
- Individuals hosting garage sales
- Food vendors
- Restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and campgrounds that want to reach traveling shoppers
- Businesses interested in sponsoring and showing regional pride
Advertising options are affordable, and sponsorship levels provide additional visibility through print, social media, and website recognition. This is a simple, practical way to put your business in front of visitors who will be driving right past your door.
“I’ve been excited to be part of helping launch this new tourism initiative, and I truly believe it has strong potential to grow into something the Panhandle is known for,” Bright said. “But for that to happen, we need strong participation in year one.”
If you’ve been thinking about listing a sale or placing an ad, now is the time. Email sales@panhandlefrontierfinds.com to reserve your spot before March 1.
