NESTFest, a free family festival to celebrate the local community and Nebraska’s state-sponsored 529 college savings plans, will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 9, at First National Bank, 810 Allen Drive in Grand Island.
The festival is hosted by NEST 529 College Savings, First National Bank and Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg. In addition to free food and entertainment, NESTFest provides an opportunity for families to learn more about how to save for their children’s futures.
Designed for the whole family, NESTFest in Grand Island will feature a magic show and activities by the Balloon Brigade featuring Poppin’ Penelope and Amazing Arthur; performances by the Great Plains Children’s Choir and Grand Island Northwest High School Drumline; demonstrations by Nebraska School of Martial Arts and Grand Island Jazzercise; opportunities to meet Miss Crane Festival, Miss Junior Crane Festival, Miss Heartland, Miss State Fair and the Danger football players; as well as food, face painting, games, prizes and crafts. State Treasurer Stenberg will greet families.
“NEST has been recognized by national experts as one of the top college savings plans in the nation,” said Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director of College Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha. “We’re extremely proud of the program and equally as proud of the commitment thousands of families have made to save for college and help create a bright future for their children. NESTFest is an opportunity to celebrate Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans and the many opportunities ahead for Nebraska’s youth.”
“NESTFest is a lively, fun event that gives young families an opportunity to spend time together outdoors and, at the same time, learn more about saving for college to ensure their children’s educational futures. We are expecting a large turnout this year,” said Treasurer Stenberg. “We want families across Nebraska to know about our fine state-sponsored college savings plans that are available to them.” Stenberg is Trustee of the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust.
As part of the NESTFest celebration, NEST is offering each new customer a $25 new account bonus to jump start a college savings plan account. Representatives from NEST will be available to answer questions about the bonus, the NEST plans and saving for college.
About NEST
NEST is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, the NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, the Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and the State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. Union Bank & Trust Company serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans, which have more than 285,000 accounts, including over 94,000 in Nebraska. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.
