Seward Rotary Club and the Seward Kiwanis Clubs hosted the presenters at Concordia University's Plum Creek Literacy Festival with a Nebraska steak fry on Friday, September 24 at the Izaak Walton League cabin
After an unanticipated pandemic hiatus, Seward Rotary and the two area Kiwanis Clubs again hosted the authors and illustrators presenting at this year's Plum Creek Literacy Festival, providing a steak dinner. The meal was preceded by informal fellowship, quick walks around the Izaak Walton League cabin grounds, a group photo and introductions.
The clubs annually join forces to offer a true “Nebraska Experience” and Nebraska meal for the almost two dozen authors and illustrators visiting and speaking at the Plum Creek Literacy Festival, held this year September 23-25 at Concordia University. Guests for the evening included Dylan Teut, Festival Director, and Jeanne Gee and Dawn Navis, Seward area residents serving as volunteer Festival Hosts for the presenters and coordinators for much of the event dealing with the authors and illustrators.
The evening meal featured a tossed salad with Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing, a baked potato-topped with butter and sour cream, a Nebraska boneless Ribeye steak-seasoned with Nebraska’s “Ted’s Seasoning” and special “Welcome” cake to honor the visiting authors!
Following the meal, the author guests were officially welcomed by Seward Kiwanis President Jo Ellen Axthelm and Rotary Club Past President Russ Sommerfeld. Each of the authors then introduced themselves, shared where they lived, and an interesting fact about themselves. The evening concluded with more fellowship and sharing.
The event was coordinated by both Rotarians and members of the Kiwanis Clubs, who volunteered prepare the potatoes and salad, set the tables, arrange the food service and grill the steaks and served as the clean-up after the event. The dinner is provided at no cost to the authors, illustrators, or festival, marking the clubs' contribution to this cherished event.