Western Nebraska Welcomes My Town Film Crew With Contest, Celebration

Residents across Western Nebraska can get involved in the filming of My Town, an Emmy-nominated documentary series hosted by Cory Hepola. My Town, which features rural communities across the United States, is visiting Western Nebraska to film an episode for season three.

Before Hepola and his team arrive, Trusted Community Development (TCD) is hosting a contest to help people learn about the series. TCD is also putting together a free community event on August 14 to celebrate with residents.

“My Town chose to feature Western Nebraska because of the people who live here,” says Jordan Diedrich, Executive Director of TCD. “We want to give back to the community and make them a part of the filming process, or at least give families a fun night out.”

It’s not too late to participate in the contest – and even win! Learn more about My Town and how to get involved. 

Road to My Town: A Western Nebraska Challenge

There’s good news for Western Nebraska residents who are just now learning about My Town: you can binge the first two seasons on YouTube and catch up with Hepola and his travels. Get to know other communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and more to see what makes small towns across America special.

If you aren’t sure where to start, follow TCD on Facebook. We’re sharing featured episodes throughout the summer to introduce residents to this series and pairing each video with a few short quiz questions. The best part? Answering quiz questions online can lead to real prizes for you and your family.

Here’s how it works:

• Watch the featured video and answer the quiz questions linked in the post. 
• Every correct answer earns points, which are added to a public leaderboard
• The top scorer at the end of the contest wins.

The grand prize winner will be named Western Nebraska's My Town Guide, receive a $100 gift card to The Mixing Bowl, and be recognized at our live event when My Town arrives in Western Nebraska. Read the official rules and guidelines to learn more.

Have you missed a week? Or three? No problem! All quizzes stay open until the final deadline of Friday, August 8, so you can catch up anytime at your own pace.

Now is your chance to be an official guide welcoming people to Western Nebraska. Explore the My Town series and enjoy this fun challenge that celebrates our community. 

Mark Your Calendars for the My Town Community Celebration

In addition to the Road to My Town online contest, TCD is organizing a free community gathering to celebrate the film crew and give residents a fun night out. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, August 14, at the Gering Civic Center Plaza. This event will include live music, local food trucks, and tethered hot air balloon rides. Enjoy a beautiful Western Nebraska sunset and relax on a Friday night with your friends and family.

“Every single person in Western Nebraska contributes to the community, from seniors who are part of multi-generational families to new residents who moved here last year,” says Diedrich. “We want to celebrate with everyone who wants to come out and thank them for making this part of America a wonderful place to live.”

RSVP for the event to stay up to date with added food trucks, performers, and activities. This event is still in the planning stages, so expect announcements as more people get involved. 

My Town Explores All Aspects of Rural Life

TCD is working closely with the My Town producers and film crew to identify how to showcase Western Nebraska. The goal is to highlight local industries, explore community organizations, and let people across the United States see why people live here. The impact of My Town will expand beyond Scottsbluff and Gering, diving into the Nebraska panhandle as a whole.

“We’re expecting a packed few days of filming,” says Diedrich. “There’s so much to see in Western Nebraska, from the stunning vistas to various businesses and community groups. It’s been hard to narrow down the itinerary.”

Bringing Western Nebraska to the national stage can have a major impact on talent and business attraction. The My Town feature could impact the panhandle for several years after the episode airs. 

Follow TCD for More My Town Updates

TCD is excitedly planning Hepola’s visit and will showcase everything Western Nebraska has to offer. Keep up with TCD for the Road to My Town contest and for other updates related to this series. If you have any questions about My Town or want to potentially get involved in filming, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to discuss opportunities for your organization to grow in Western Nebraska.