Palmyra

Palmyra is tucked into the northwest corner of Otoe County . With a population of nearly 550, this quaint little community is a prime example of the Nebraska good life.

And this small town celebrates in a big way every June during the annual Palmyra Old Settler’s Picnic. Some of the main attractions at the event include outdoor movies, bingo, children’s carnival, flea market, baseball games, horseshoeing demonstrations, antique tractor displays, parade, pie eating contest, pedal tractor pull contest, street dance, and all kinds of delicious food.

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History of Palmyra Old Settler’s Picnic

The years of 1865 to 1872 marks the entrance of many families who came to the Palmyra community to make their homes. Various means of livelihood were used to establish the homes of the pioneer settlers, and along with the business of making a living, a spiritual, an educational and a social life began to take form in the lives of the people. They needed a community life. Mr. Edwin Harrington Baldwin, who lived on the first farm west of town called on several of his neighbors suggesting that “we come together for a picnic dinner. Come to our home, come in the morning and stay all day; bring a picnic dinner.” This day took place on Mr. Baldwin’s wife’s birthday, June 13th. And come they did, by wagons, cart, buggies and on foot! At the close of a very fun-filled day, it was unanimously agreed that the same kind of picnic would be held the next year. No one knows for sure the exact year that the Picnic started but, they think it was around 1887. In 1937, the first two-day picnic was held. The picnic was eventually moved to Taggart Park in Palmyra. The picnic was a big attraction to the local residents with bands, politicians and other dignitaries speaking during the day.

Over the years the annual Palmyra Old Settler’s Picnic has gained more attractions and of course lost some of the original ones. It is still enjoyed by the people of Palmyra and also surrounding communities! Some of the main attractions that are planned for this year’s 120th picnic is Outdoor Movies, garage sales, Bingo, Street Dance, Kid’s carnival, Flea Market, Baseball games, Horseshoeing Demos, Antique Tractor Displays, Parade, Pie eating contest, Beer Garden, Pedal Tractor Pull Contest and ALL kinds of delicious food from breakfast to late night!!