Sign up for the 5th annual Andrew Claymon Fishing Tournament at Merritt Reservoir!

Hey!!!! It's fishing at its finest and time to ENTER the 5^th Annual Andrew Claymon Memorial Fishing Tournament June 12-13!! Sign up now!!

 This tournament has been very heavily promoted this year.  We don’t want to have to limit the number of teams that enter but it may be a possibility depending on the number of team entries that we receive.  

We already have 19 teams entered which is ahead of all prior years this many days from the tournament date.  We don’t want anyone to miss out so get those entries coming in!!

Remember...there WILL be prizes!

·         Scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Merritt Reservoir 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. fishing hours

·         Adult/Youth team format

·         Three divisions to choose from: (1) adult/1 child, 10 and under, (2) adult/1 child 11-17 years old, or (3) adult/2 children 17 and under

·         Total prize value of $5,000+ thanks to increase in sponsorship funding this year

·         Opportunity for all youth entered in tournament 15 years and younger and a Nebraska resident to win 1 of 2 FREE lifetime hunt/fish permit

·         Additional details on www.andrewclaymonfishing.com .  An e-mail with more details will be sent to all entered teams several weeks prior to the tournament.

·         When making your travel plans, keep in mind the tournament dinner/rules meeting (non-mandatory) on Friday night, the 12^th at 6:00 p.m.

Enter online at www.andrewclaymonfishing.com or attached entry form.

Deadline to enter to be GUARANTEED your t-shirt size and a cap is May 25^th.

Feel free to contact me, Andrew's Mom, by e-mail or phone with any questions.  Looking forward to seeing you on June 12^th or 13^th!!

Joni Claymon

Tournament Organizer and Andrew's Mom

Cell:  (970) 445-8190

jclaymon@vail.net

www.andrewclaymonfishing.com

Because it's going to be FUN!!

Even if you don't catch fish...even if all you do is play in the water and make waves...it's always a great family, fun, event!!

Let our sponsors to help with your adventure!!!

Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. Why not get a gift certificate for a trip down Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers for warmer weather? 

Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, who has , wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co.

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery.

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live 

bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, adventure....come find out why!!!

Visit http://www.sandhillswesternvacations.com to plan extra dots along the way!

Plan your Sandhills Summer - Schedule of Events for 2015!!!

Happy May! It's sunny...the grass is greening up, waters are warming up,  fish are waiting to be caught, everything is getting ready for you to plan your Sandhills summer getaway.
There are so many things going on it would be helpful to have a schedule...right?
Here's a look at all the fun and adventure from 2014....

May 2 - Nebraska Game and Parks Kids Fishing Derby
May 9 - Valentine High School Graduation
May 10 - Mother's Day
May 16 - Cody-Kilgore High School Graduation
May 25 - Memorial Day
May - Cody Circle C Celebration

June 6 - Minnechaduza Days and Turtle Races during the Day - Cruise Night afterwards
June 13 - 5th annual Andrew Claymon Fishing Tournament
June 27 - Valentine Alumni Renunion and Banquet
June 28 - Sod House Sunday, Arthur Bowring Sandhills Ranch - Merriman

July 4 - Independence Day
July 11 - City Wide Garage Sales during the day, and Relay for Life - Cherry County in the evening
July 12-17 - Nebraska Star Party

August 1 - Crazy Day
August 5-9 - Cherry County Fair and Rodeo
August 29 - Old Settlers Reunion - Sparks

September 7 - Labor Day

But the fun doesn't stop there...things quiet down and there's still plenty to do!

October 8-11 Old west Days and Cowboy Poetry Gathering
October 10 - Pumpkin Patch

November 11 - Veterans Day
November 22 - Holiday Preview
November 26 - Thanksgiving

There will be more planned around Christmas and we'll save that for another posting - but you will want to attend! Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, make sure to click on the sponsor's advertisements on the home page - The Sandhills, as well Awesome Wildlife and Bugs, and Sandhills Skies, which will take you to their websites. You'll get even more information on how they can make your Sandhills Western Vacation something you'll treasure. Something you'll want to come back and enjoy with family and friends, making memories every season.

Customize your vacation in Valentine - a little town in Cherry County, Nebraska!

Have you ever enjoyed a fun filled vacation in the Sandhills of Nebraska? It's your four season, family fun, destination with something for everyone!

Family reunions would be perfect - there's plenty of lodging from rustic camping to drive right up to your room and unload at the Tradewinds Lodge in Valentine, Nebraska.

One of the fun parts of family reunions is the colorful T-shirts, hats, and jackets each family chooses. You can design your own right on-line and pick them up when you arrive at Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery.

Perhaps your loved ones will arrive for a wedding, there's plenty of one-of-a-kind gifts that can be found at Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery Their goal is customization, customization, customization...YOUR way. Unique. One of a kind. For any event - not just weddings, or family reunions. Many sizes are available from the smallest to the largest!

Watch....

And it's not just limited to shirts....

There's mugs, bling, hats, anything you like!

Spring has already sprung and there's always a trip down the Niobrara National Scenic River. A water lovers dream. To get you on the water, Brewer's Canoers and Tubers will help with your arrangements...tubes, canoes, or kayaks. They also have a campground for  an adventure you'll truly enjoy. 

And if you don't want to spend your entire trip cooking, Henderson's IGA has catered meals, Chairman Reserve beef for grilling, and for fast, quick meals, there's always the deli. 

Please use the sponsors at Sandhills Western Vacations, they're some of the nicest people in Valentine, the heart of Cherry County, Nebraska!

Come on....follow the dots to the Quilting Cupbord in the Heart City

Follow what dots?

Load up your girl friends, loved ones, even your husband for dots of fun during the Nebraska Independent Fabric Shops annual Nebraska Shop Hop....it's already going on, but you don't have to be left out of the fun. 

The Quilting Cupboard in Valentine has kits, the specialty dot fabric, and a free pattern for you - plus treats, snacks, and most importantly, a warm welcome!

And right down the street is something for him - if you bring him along. 

Because he can get stocked up as well.....and together you'll enjoy....

But first you have to get here...so follow the dots....

The Quilting Cupboard is number 27 on your map and will get you a lot of points. Remember, the extended hours and the western portion of the state will have a  bonus pattern. But you'll have to follow the dots to find out what it is. 

Find some extra time to visit some of the unique shops on Main Street - in fact, spend the night at the Trade Winds Lodge to complete your adventure. 

It will be a great time for everyone when you follow the dots to Valentine, Nebraska during the annual Nebraska Shop Hop...going on now through Sunday, April 19. 

Let our sponsors to help with your adventure!!!

Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. Why not get a gift certificate for a trip down Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers for warmer weather? 

Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, who has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co.

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery.

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live 

bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, adventure....come find out why!!!

Visit http://www.sandhillswesternvacations.com to plan extra dots along the way!

No BULL...Love is in the air in Valentine, NE, February 13-14...make a weekend of it!!!

Seriously...love is in the air...Show your sweetheart by heading for the hills...the Sandhills that is!

 This February 13-14, 2015, we celebrate the cattleman and woman and their way of life here in the Sandhills.

Here's some scenes from last year....

Friday, February 13, is the second annual Red Dress Event where beef will be served  - no doubt. Did you know beef can keep you healthy? Find out the facts on this event at  bullbash.net. But there will also be live entertainment. Dueling pianos. They will be using 176 keys for their ammo - which sounds quite thrilling! While red attire is admired, it is not required.

Saturday, February 14, the bulls will be on display  - all hail to the BULL!!! These gentle giants are the driving force behind the livelihood here in the Sandhills!!! What would we do without them? Come and find out for yourself. There will be a pen of heifers as well. What will they think? "Hey boys...."  Perhaps?

Either way there is a full slate of events that will take place for boys, girls, men, women, families, and our youth! Quick Draw Competition, Luck of the Draw, coloring contests, food, wine tasting for the adults, gun show, quilt show, implements, anything that will help our ranchers will be on display on Valentine's Main Street. The fun begins at dawn when the panels and bedding are laid out for the bulls the bulls who will be on their way home before 5:00 p.m.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Make plans to attend and use our sponsors to help with your vacation or adventure!!!

Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. Why not get a gift certificate for a trip down Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers for warmer weather? 

 Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co.

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery.

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live 

bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, Adventure....come find out why!!!

Looking back at 2014 and a blessed 2015 to everyone!!!

The wind is howling right now, snow is falling, and what was laying on the ground is blowing all around. Its the first weekend after the New Year. Are you busy cleaning the house? Taking down the tree? Putting the decorations away?
Maybe you're thinking about next summer? More ways to spend time with your family? Let the sponsors of SandhillsWesternVacations.com help you ... after you get everything put away and the dust has settled.

You really will be having the adventure of a lifetime out here in God's Own Cow Country! Here is how 2014 shaped up and there's plenty more.

Happy New Year from all of us at SandhillsWesternVacations.com ...

Your ticket for four season, family fun, adventures!

 Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get food to go at Henderson's IGA, a river trip will showcase the extraordinary diversity of the Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers.  Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co.. For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery.

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live 

bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments!

A blessed 2015!

Sharing the symbols of a very Merry Christmas from the Sandhills to your house!

One of the first things you notice about Christmas is the lights! They're a beacon of hope; Jesus was born in Bethlehem and became the Light of the world! 

Angels are made in the snow, are hung as decorations on our trees, and even grace the lamp posts in our communities. One of the first things Angels say when they make their appearance is, "Fear not." An angel came to the Virgin Mary and told her of God's plans for the birth of Jesus.  

After His birth, an angel came to the shepherds in the field and said, 

"Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

Merriman, NE,  decorates their community with angels. 

 Who doesn't like a gift? Granted, there are those who have a hard time receiving; likewise, there are those who have a hard time giving. 

God's love for us was so great that he gave us a perfect gift in the baby Jesus. Presents reminds us of God's gift - the way to eternal life in Heaven through Jesus. 

Pictured above is the Cross and Santa and his reindeer at the Bowring Ranch in Merriman. 

The Christmas tree...where did its tradition begin? There are many different theories, some say Druids and other the Germans. The evergreen is a symbol of eternal life. It keeps its needles all winter long. Not to mention the food and shelter it provides for all of God's creatures. 

This Christmas tree is near the post office in Merriman.

 How do you feel when you unwrap your Nativity Scene? A barn. 

Some say it would have been more of a cave. 

Either way, Jesus came from humble beginnings, his first bed a manger. Until you live in the Sandhills, or are around livestock, a manger filled with hay has no particular significance. 

But when you're in a barn, all the noises, the animals chewing their cud, the soft baaaaaing of sheep, and cattle who want that hay...does the manger take on a different significance.

Remember,  He's closer than the phone booth in Cody, NE! Always. That's His gift to you! 

Kilgore, NE, decorates in lanterns, reminding us of the Light of the World! 

Valentine has candy canes, trees, and candle sticks to decorate the town. There was the thought that the life of Christ was depicted in a candy cane. The white represented His purity, while the red signified his blood shed for you for eternity. Three stripes represented the Holy Trinity. 

The Sandhills wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. One filled with joy, laughter, and His love. And if what you had really wished for, hoped for, and wanted wasn't under the tree...come visit our quaint shops where they have something for everyone! 

From all of us at SandhillsWesternVacations.com ...

Your ticket for four season, family fun, adventures await....

They can help you with accommodations at Trade Winds Lodge, food at Henderson's IGA, a river trip gift certificate which will showcase the extraordinary diversity of the Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers. There are unique, one of a kind, gifts galore that can be found at Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co.. For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery.

A very Merry Christmas!