Third Annual Willow Creek Festival returning this weekend

PIERCE, Neb. -- An annual fall festival is returning to northeast Nebraska this weekend.

The Third Annual Willow Creek Festival will be held this Friday and Saturday at Willow Creek Recreation Area in Pierce.

Starting at 6 p.m. Friday, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a tailgate and watch the Huskers take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

On Saturday, there will be a number of activities for children and their families to participate in including a scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting, a bicycle parade, a petting zoo, and trick-or-treating.

Organizers say they like to put on the festival every year because it gives families a great opportunity to spend time together and the festival brings in new faces to Pierce.

"We felt as a group of families that we needed something more local. We know there are other campsites around that do different things but aren't close so we wanted to do something for the community," said organizer Maria Becker.

"I think that anything you can do to bring families together, to get out into nature and enjoy the local park we have is great," said organizer Brandy Price. "It also brings people into our town and helps support the community."

Attendees will need a Nebraska Park Entry sticker to get into the event.

All activities during the day are free.

For a full list of activities at the festival and more information, visit their Facebook page.