BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 February 12, Wednesday)
Don Harrold Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook
Community members in Herman, Nebraska, have long relied on a series of food fundraisers to support their local emergency responders, veterans, and community initiatives. Through events like the Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast, American Legion Birthday Dinner, Fire Department Steak Dinner, and the popular Fish Fry, residents not only share a meal but also ensure vital services remain funded.
To understand the significance of these fundraisers, I conducted an email interview with Linda Shada, a local insurance professional and one of the organizers involved in these events. Shada provided insight into the history, purpose, and impact of these gatherings.
A Community Tradition: The Rescue Squad’s Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast
One of Herman’s most cherished traditions is the Rescue Squad’s Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast, which took place on February 9 at the Fire Hall. The event, running for nearly two decades, remains crucial to the financial sustainability of the Herman Rescue Squad.
“Contrary to common belief, little if any property taxes go toward funding the Herman Rescue Squad,” Shada explained. “The squad personnel are responsible for raising funds to cover all the operating costs, supplies, and training needed to keep a certified Rescue Squad in our Village.”
Each year, rising costs make it increasingly difficult to maintain readiness. “Every time the squad goes out on a call, it needs to be refueled and resupplied, so it is ready to go again at a moment’s notice,” she noted. “With the rising cost of supplies, especially since COVID, this has become more challenging.”
While the Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast is now over, donations are still being accepted at all upcoming events to further support the squad’s operations.
Helping Keep the Lights On: The American Legion Birthday Dinner
The next major event on the calendar is the American Legion Birthday Dinner, happening on Monday, March 3, at 6:00 p.m. All proceeds from this dinner will go toward a Propane Fund, helping to offset the cost of heating the historic Legion Hall.
“The Herman Legion, officially known as the Jackson-Peck Post 274, was established following the American Legion’s creation by an Act of Congress in March 1919,” Shada shared. “Each year in March, we host a birthday supper open to the public to honor the founding of the American Legion.”
The event not only celebrates the Legion’s long history but also raises funds to ensure its continued operation. “The Village of Herman has officially assumed ownership of the Legion Building. However, the Legion remains responsible for maintaining the building and ensuring its availability to the public,” she explained. “A significant annual expense is the cost associated with heating the building. We are seeking assistance from our neighbors and friends of Herman to help us keep the building open and accessible.”
Fueling Firefighters: The Steak Dinner and Fish Fry Fundraisers
On Saturday, March 8, the Fire Department Steak Dinner will take place at the Legion Hall. This event directly supports the Herman Volunteer Fire Department, which—despite being partially funded by local property taxes—still relies on community fundraising.
“The Fire Department’s major expenditures are funded by local property taxes, but this leaves numerous small day-to-day expenses that would go unmet without local fundraising efforts,” Shada explained. “The proceeds from the Steak Dinner directly offset the costs of firefighting expenses.”
Providing proper equipment for new volunteers is also a costly challenge. “Each new volunteer must be outfitted with their own bunker gear, which needs to meet NFPA standards that change periodically, rendering existing gear obsolete. This gear can cost up to $10,000 per person,” she said. “After outfitting, we must provide training, which takes place at a week-long Fire School in Grand Island.”
To further supplement funding, the Fire Department co-hosts the popular Cardinal Insurance Fish Fry, with upcoming events on Friday, March 21, and Friday, April 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Legion Hall.
“The Fish Fry has become an essential method of financing the annual community picnic and enhancing the fireworks display,” Shada explained. “In recent years, the Herman Community Club has also participated in the picnic, bringing children’s games and activities to the event.”
Strengthening Bonds Between Local Businesses and the Community
As the owner of Cardinal Insurance, Shada has played an instrumental role in organizing these fundraisers.
“The Fish Fry began in 2021 due to COVID regulations,” she said. “As a crop insurance agency, I had planned to hold a crop supper to invite new and existing customers to share a meal and discuss crop insurance changes for the new crop year. But at the time, hosting a crop supper was not permitted by the companies I was working with.”
Seeing an opportunity to help the community reconnect, she decided to host the Fish Fry instead. “The Fire Department supported the event and saw it as an opportunity to raise funds for the community picnic and 4th of July fireworks display.”
The collaborative effort among multiple groups has made these fundraisers a local success. “I provide the ingredients, while the Fire Department prepares and fries the fish. Once the food is ready, the Herman Community Club serves the food. The first event is hosted at PB 75, which supports us by waiving rent fees, assisting with advertising, and helping with serving and cleanup. The Legion also helps on the rent for their facility for the Legion event,” Shada shared.
Maximizing Attendance and Community Engagement
These events are strategically spread across February, March, and April to ensure maximum attendance and community involvement.
“The Biscuits and Gravy, Steak Feed, and Legion Birthday Party are traditionally held on the same date or weekend each year,” Shada noted. “In 2024, we started joint advertising in an effort to enhance the promotion of all events. However, advertising has become increasingly challenging. Local newspapers do not always reach our target audience effectively. Although Facebook is a useful platform, it also has its limitations. The most effective form of advertising remains word of mouth.”
By consolidating event listings, organizers hope to boost turnout and maintain strong community support.
The Herman Legion: A Hub for Community Life
While fundraisers are a major function of the Legion Hall, the building has long been a vital part of Herman’s community life.
“In its prime, the Herman Legion served as the central hub for community activities, hosting wedding receptions, funerals, and various local celebrations,” Shada said. “Presently, the ANBE Event Center, formerly the Herman School, has become the go-to venue for larger receptions. However, the Herman Legion still plays a crucial role, offering a cozy and affordable space for birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and casual gatherings.”
Looking Ahead
With a goal of serving 150 people per Fish Fry, organizers hope the community will continue to show its support.
“The Fish Fry provides a fun night to go out, see the neighbors, share a meal, and raise funds for community events,” Shada emphasized. “We suggest a donation of $15 per plate, but people have donated anywhere from $10 to $1,000 per plate. The funds stay in Herman, supporting events like the 4th of July picnic, Easter Egg Hunt, Herman Days, and the Holiday Festival.”
Community members in Herman, Nebraska, have long relied on a series of food fundraisers to support their local emergency responders, veterans, and community initiatives. Through events like the Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast, American Legion Birthday Dinner, Fire Department Steak Dinner, and the popular Fish Fry, residents not only share a meal but also ensure vital services remain funded.
To understand the significance of these fundraisers, I conducted an email interview with Linda Shada, a local insurance professional and one of the organizers involved in these events. Shada provided insight into the history, purpose, and impact of these gatherings.
A Community Tradition: The Rescue Squad’s Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast
One of Herman’s most cherished traditions is the Rescue Squad’s Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast, which took place on February 9 at the Fire Hall. The event, running for nearly two decades, remains crucial to the financial sustainability of the Herman Rescue Squad.
“Contrary to common belief, little if any property taxes go toward funding the Herman Rescue Squad,” Shada explained. “The squad personnel are responsible for raising funds to cover all the operating costs, supplies, and training needed to keep a certified Rescue Squad in our Village.”
Each year, rising costs make it increasingly difficult to maintain readiness. “Every time the squad goes out on a call, it needs to be refueled and resupplied, so it is ready to go again at a moment’s notice,” she noted. “With the rising cost of supplies, especially since COVID, this has become more challenging.”
While the Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast is now over, donations are still being accepted at all upcoming events to further support the squad’s operations.
Helping Keep the Lights On: The American Legion Birthday Dinner
The next major event on the calendar is the American Legion Birthday Dinner, happening on Monday, March 3, at 6:00 p.m. All proceeds from this dinner will go toward a Propane Fund, helping to offset the cost of heating the historic Legion Hall.
“The Herman Legion, officially known as the Jackson-Peck Post 274, was established following the American Legion’s creation by an Act of Congress in March 1919,” Shada shared. “Each year in March, we host a birthday supper open to the public to honor the founding of the American Legion.”
The event not only celebrates the Legion’s long history but also raises funds to ensure its continued operation. “The Village of Herman has officially assumed ownership of the Legion Building. However, the Legion remains responsible for maintaining the building and ensuring its availability to the public,” she explained. “A significant annual expense is the cost associated with heating the building. We are seeking assistance from our neighbors and friends of Herman to help us keep the building open and accessible.”
Fueling Firefighters: The Steak Dinner and Fish Fry Fundraisers
On Saturday, March 8, the Fire Department Steak Dinner will take place at the Legion Hall. This event directly supports the Herman Volunteer Fire Department, which—despite being partially funded by local property taxes—still relies on community fundraising.
“The Fire Department’s major expenditures are funded by local property taxes, but this leaves numerous small day-to-day expenses that would go unmet without local fundraising efforts,” Shada explained. “The proceeds from the Steak Dinner directly offset the costs of firefighting expenses.”
Providing proper equipment for new volunteers is also a costly challenge. “Each new volunteer must be outfitted with their own bunker gear, which needs to meet NFPA standards that change periodically, rendering existing gear obsolete. This gear can cost up to $10,000 per person,” she said. “After outfitting, we must provide training, which takes place at a week-long Fire School in Grand Island.”
To further supplement funding, the Fire Department co-hosts the popular Cardinal Insurance Fish Fry, with upcoming events on Friday, March 21, and Friday, April 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Legion Hall.
“The Fish Fry has become an essential method of financing the annual community picnic and enhancing the fireworks display,” Shada explained. “In recent years, the Herman Community Club has also participated in the picnic, bringing children’s games and activities to the event.”
Strengthening Bonds Between Local Businesses and the Community
As the owner of Cardinal Insurance, Shada has played an instrumental role in organizing these fundraisers.
“The Fish Fry began in 2021 due to COVID regulations,” she said. “As a crop insurance agency, I had planned to hold a crop supper to invite new and existing customers to share a meal and discuss crop insurance changes for the new crop year. But at the time, hosting a crop supper was not permitted by the companies I was working with.”
Seeing an opportunity to help the community reconnect, she decided to host the Fish Fry instead. “The Fire Department supported the event and saw it as an opportunity to raise funds for the community picnic and 4th of July fireworks display.”
The collaborative effort among multiple groups has made these fundraisers a local success. “I provide the ingredients, while the Fire Department prepares and fries the fish. Once the food is ready, the Herman Community Club serves the food. The first event is hosted at PB 75, which supports us by waiving rent fees, assisting with advertising, and helping with serving and cleanup. The Legion also helps on the rent for their facility for the Legion event,” Shada shared.
Maximizing Attendance and Community Engagement
These events are strategically spread across February, March, and April to ensure maximum attendance and community involvement.
“The Biscuits and Gravy, Steak Feed, and Legion Birthday Party are traditionally held on the same date or weekend each year,” Shada noted. “In 2024, we started joint advertising in an effort to enhance the promotion of all events. However, advertising has become increasingly challenging. Local newspapers do not always reach our target audience effectively. Although Facebook is a useful platform, it also has its limitations. The most effective form of advertising remains word of mouth.”
By consolidating event listings, organizers hope to boost turnout and maintain strong community support.
The Herman Legion: A Hub for Community Life
While fundraisers are a major function of the Legion Hall, the building has long been a vital part of Herman’s community life.
“In its prime, the Herman Legion served as the central hub for community activities, hosting wedding receptions, funerals, and various local celebrations,” Shada said. “Presently, the ANBE Event Center, formerly the Herman School, has become the go-to venue for larger receptions. However, the Herman Legion still plays a crucial role, offering a cozy and affordable space for birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and casual gatherings.”
Looking Ahead
With a goal of serving 150 people per Fish Fry, organizers hope the community will continue to show its support.
“The Fish Fry provides a fun night to go out, see the neighbors, share a meal, and raise funds for community events,” Shada emphasized. “We suggest a donation of $15 per plate, but people have donated anywhere from $10 to $1,000 per plate. The funds stay in Herman, supporting events like the 4th of July picnic, Easter Egg Hunt, Herman Days, and the Holiday Festival.”
