August-September 2025 • Nebraskaland 31
and Deputy Director Jim Swenson,
who was then eastern regional park
manager. This team envisioned a
long-term event that would exemplify
the Ponca State Park tagline: "Where
people and nature meet."
"We wanted an event that had the
same kind of feeling as a county fair
but was focused around the outdoors
and what our agency represents,"
Fields said. Visitors would gain hands-
on experiences, such as shooting a gun
or bow.
They wanted it to be free to attend
because Fields saw the expo as a long-
term investment — introducing people
to the outdoors in ways they would not
have a chance to experience otherwise.
The expo would help "plant the seed"
to growing the next generation of
hunters, anglers and outdoors people.
Fields knew the event would need
strong regional support and ownership.
A team of staff and volunteers worked
to secure community buy-in, which
led to the creation of the Missouri
River Outdoor Expo Board, an advisory
committee made up of representatives
from Ponca and surrounding
communities, such as Sioux City and
Newcastle, as well as groups, including
local chapters of Pheasants Forever,
Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifl e
Aerial view of Ponca State Park's visitor center during the Missouri River Outdoor Expo. NICK SAUVAGEAU, NEBRASKALAND
