North Platte Canteen Festival
The 2024 Canteen Festival will be held on September 28th & 29th, 2024!
The rest of the information on this page was for the 2023 event and will be updated as new information becomes available.
On December 17, 1941, North Platte residents gathered at the Union Pacific Depot because they heard that a troop train carrying their own boys would be coming through. When the train stopped, none of their boys were to be found, but instead there were soldiers from Kansas. After a moment of disbelief, one person stepped forward and gave their presents to the troops and everyone else soon followed. The happiness expressed by the soldiers sparked an idea. The residents of North Platte and the surrounding communities followed the lead of their ancestors in World War I by opening a Canteen at the depot. This endeavor lasted for 54 months, involved 55,000 volunteers, and served more than 6 million service men and women during its duration. This was one of the largest volunteer efforts of World War II. When an impact like that has been made, it is important to keep that story and heritage alive.
Visit North Platte, the Downtown Association, the Lincoln Country Historical Museum, and the North Platte Community Playhouse are pleased to be bringing back the North Platte Canteen Festival for a third year!
Pancake Breakfast
Fall Market & Art Show
Live 1940's Music
Jodi Engalls Live
A Sentimental Musical Journey
Proceeds will be donated to the Lincoln County Historical Museum to further their World War II Canteen exhibit which will continue to spread this story of volunteerism and patriotism for generations to come. Can't make it but still want to help? Make a donation to the Lincoln County Historical Museum by clicking here and then selecting the 'Donate' button!