3 quirky state facts that prove Nebraska is the main character

Happy National Nebraska Day! If you weren’t made privy to this particular holiday’s existence before, you have been now. Each of the 50 states have a day named in their honor that are in order of their admission to the union. Nebraska was the 37th state admitted, so its correlating day lands on April 5 — today! In light of this most momentous 24 hours — here’s three of my favorite fun facts about the Cornhusker State that you didn’t know you needed to know but might just leave you tickled anyways.

It’s a sweltering summer day in 2009. Younger-you is parched and feral for the sweet nectar that is your favorite summer beverage. Thankfully, a familiar bright red liquid sloshes against the condensation-soaked pitcher your mom clutches while she descends the porch steps. You unabashedly inhale the liquid like it’s the first thing you’ve drank in days. Life is good. None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the inventive genius of a certain Hastings resident in 1927. Edwin Perkins, inspired by the concept of Jell-O powder, crafted the colorful crystalline Adventist favorite that is Kool-Aid. His creation gained quick national popularity and was named the official state soft drink in 1998. Today, let’s salute Edwin for his powerful contribution to our childhoods.

Speaking of summer day activities … Amid the shockingly mundane geography and incredibly underwhelming biodiversity of Nebraska stands the Henry Doorly Zoo. It’s an oasis in the plains, exploding with incredible wildlife and intoxicating exoticity. It’s not only great in comparison to its surroundings either! The Henry Doorly Zoo remains at the top of the charts as one of the most awarded zoos in the entire world. Recently, it was named USA Today’s “Best Zoo” for 2023. Let’s sit with that for a second. A zoo on the outskirts of Omaha, NE has consistently outperformed zoos in places like Australia and San Diego. It has truly earned every ounce of praise coming its way.

The last fun fact is regrettably lesser known and niche in application. Ever get the hankering for some quality porch-time but can’t indulge because your 24-member friend group can’t all fit on the same porch swing at once? Take turns? What are we, in the Stone Age? In Hebron, NE, there’s no need to ruin big-friend-group quality porch-time with something as nonsensical as rotating porch swing turns. This is thanks to the world record-holding covered porch swing that can sit — you guessed it — 24 people at once. Hebron is even dubbed “Nebraska’s Porch Swing Capital” thanks to this marvel of modern engineering — and the lack of a more impressive attraction.

Tell someone “Happy National Nebraska Day” today. Throw these fun facts into the next casual conversation after someone claims that corn is all Nebraska is good for. Let’s end the stigma together.

By: Sidney Needles