36 Nebraskaland • August-September 2025
new ideas … but we're also running this
massive event as a new team, which
has its own challenges."
The Missouri River Outdoor Expo
is not an event park staff plan mere
months or weeks ahead. The expo is
part of their day-to-day operations,
Leware explained. They think about
the expo year-round, about the small
details that allow the event to run
safely and smoothly. For instance: Who
is providing portable toilets? Do food
vendors have their health inspections
and legalities in order? How many extra
golf carts do they need?
Safety is also a priority. Leware
ensures fi rst responders and an
ambulance are on site, and she
facilitates the relationship between
local paramedics and the expo's
emergency management team. Also
throw in local law enforcement and
conservation offi cers, whom she meets
to discuss evacuation and emergency
plans and lost-kid protocols. Even
helicopter landing zones have to be
identifi ed in the event someone needs
to be airlifted to the hospital.
Then leading up the event, it's
all hands-on deck with staff and
volunteers setting up.
A family walks down the path that leads through the Eric Wiebe Shooting Complex. JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
The bike trail is a recently added activity at the Missouri River Outdoor Expo.
JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
