Originally part of the Perry & Mathews Circus, the Bandwagon became stranded in Wisner, Nebraska, when the circus faced financial difficulties and was unable to pay its debts. As collateral, the wagon was left behind with local citizens until members of the West Point Cadet Band purchased it and brought it back to West Point. Described at the time as a “gorgeous affair,” the Bandwagon gained new significance when the First National Bank of West Point expressed interest in using it for its grand opening promotion. With the Nebraska Centennial approaching, the Cuming County Fair Board decided to restore the wagon locally to preserve its historical value. Skilled local craftsmen, including Verne Giese and Fred Oltmanns, led the restoration, completing the project in April 1965.

Since that first restoration, the Bandwagon made a regular appearance in the annual Cuming County Fair parade until about the late 1980’s when its condition was no longer safe for its occupants. Then in the spring of 2021, an effort was made to investigate restoring the Bandwagon to its original glory.

Produced by B&B Video Productions, the documentary features never-before-seen footage of this meticulous restoration process and includes interviews with several of the craftsmen involved. Commentary is provided by Doug Peterson of Peterson Body and Paint, the project’s restoration consultant, and Willy Kreikemeier, who was president of the Cuming County Fair Foundation during the restoration. Since then, a custom, climate-controlled, glass-enclosed display was built under the awning of the Cuming County Historical Society Depot on the fairgrounds to house the restored piece.