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The History

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The Village of Pender was founded in 1885 by W.E. Peebles.

The Village was originally a part of Dakota County until the organization of Thurston County.  Then it became the first town in the new county and still serves as the county seat, today.

Early entertainment in the Village came from theatrics and dances performed at the Opera House, horse racing, and a movie theater.

 

Now, fast forward over 135 years later and you may be surprised to find, the Opera House is still a staple to Pender's Main Street. Additionally, the movie theater has been transformed into a local variety store, offering clothing, home decor, children's toys, and so much more!  

Our main street today continues to thrive just as it did over 125 years ago.

Today, village amenities include the community park and swimming pool, Blue Ox RV Park, Twin Creeks golf course, Pender Lanes bowling alley, a Community Center adjacent to its Veteran's Park Memorial, which offers space for dances, receptions, and community held events, as well as and a sports complex.

Upcoming Events

  • Multiple Dates
    Tue, May 27
    May 27, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Pender, 614 Main St, Pender, NE 68047, USA
    The meeting will be held in the Village board room at 7:00pm
  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Jun 09
    Jun 09, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Pender, 614 Main St, Pender, NE 68047, USA
    The meeting will be held in the Village board room at 7:00pm
  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Jul 14
    Jul 14, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Pender, 614 Main St, Pender, NE 68047, USA
    The meeting will be held in the Village board room at 7:00pm
  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Aug 11
    Aug 11, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Pender, 614 Main St, Pender, NE 68047, USA
    The meeting will be held in the Village board room at 7:00pm
  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Sep 08
    Sep 08, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Pender, 614 Main St, Pender, NE 68047, USA
    The meeting will be held in the Village board room at 7:00pm
  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Oct 13
    Oct 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Pender, 614 Main St, Pender, NE 68047, USA
    The meeting will be held in the Village board room at 7:00pm
  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Nov 10
    Nov 10, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Pender, 614 Main St, Pender, NE 68047, USA
    The meeting will be held in the Village board room at 7:00pm
  • Multiple Dates
    Mon, Dec 08
    Dec 08, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Pender, 614 Main St, Pender, NE 68047, USA
    The meeting will be held in the Village board room at 7:00pm


Local Businesses
The Village of Pender also has a wide array of businesses that offer a variety of products and services to the local and surrounding areas. To learn more, access Pender's local business directory here.

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