HEMINGFORD, Neb. — As the Box Butte County Fair prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary this August, one of its longest-standing and most beloved traditions will return to the fairgrounds — the Diorama Food Booth.
First believed to have been displayed more than 60 years ago at a downtown Hemingford intersection, the Diorama began as a small Nativity scene and has since expanded into a full biblical display, illustrating events from the Book of Genesis through Christ’s second coming in Revelation. Local accounts suggest the display may have originated as early as 63 to 70 years ago.
Carolyn Adams, whose mother assisted with the Diorama after moving to Hemingford as a nurse, said proceeds from the food booth help cover lighting and maintenance for the display.
“The Diorama is something people remember and look forward to each year,” Adams said. “It’s a labor of love for our community.”
The Diorama Food Booth will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 9, and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10. Breakfast will be served daily from 7 to 10:30 a.m., with lunch and dinner offerings available from 10:30 a.m. to close.
Menu items include biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls, hamburgers, hot dogs, Frito pies, pretzels, nachos, a variety of pies, drinks and more. Plus, a crowd favorite —Sloppy Joes — will also return to the menu this year.
Volunteers are needed to help stock supplies, prepare food, serve customers, and assist with pie donations and slicing. All help is volunteer-based, and shifts are flexible. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Adams by text at 303-907-7970. Volunteers should
include their name, phone number, availability, and how they’d like to assist. Adams extended her gratitude to the many individuals who help make the booth possible year after year. Special thanks go to Samantha, who suggested her family lead the Diorama Food Booth for 2025 and is working alongside Adams this year; Johnna Wood for her recordkeeping and guidance; Mike Raben and Raben’s Market for providing supplies and the traditional 4-H Sloppy Joes; Jim Keegan and family for donating taco meat; Kenny Hucke for donating eggs; and the Box Butte County Fair Board for its century of dedication to the community.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who’s helped keep this tradition going,” Adams said. “This is truly what community and service is all about.”