'Heartland' theme Heritage Days key

McCook's annual Heritage Days promises to be a great celebration again this year, according to the McCook Chamber of Commerce.

"Heartland of America," Sept. 25-29, will feature many of the old favorites -- such as the parade down Norris Avenue and the craft fair in Norris Park -- and have a few new events to add to the list of things to do -- such as the Cowboy Poetry Contest on Friday night at the Fox Theater.

Two rare World War II bombers -- a B-29 and a B-24, will be in McCook Sept. 23-30, thanks to the Commemorative Air Force and local organizers who wish to honor veterans here to attend the McCook Army Air Base reunion.

The Heritage Days weekend will kick off with the Wednesday night, Sept. 25, Chamber Mixer, when the Honor Family and Heritage Days Royalty will be announced. This year, Jerda Garey Svengalis, chairman of the Royalty Committee has spearheaded the move to get the Royalty coronation back to its roots.

Instead of being open to only McCook High School Students, those interested from around Southwest Nebraska may throw their crowns into the ring for consideration.

The annual Heritage Days Prayer Breakfast will be Friday morning and Senior Citizens can enjoy a day of fun at the park following the breakfast.

Friday evening will include a first ever Cowboy Poetry and Bluegrass Jamboree featuring Cactus Chris Buethe of Las Cruces, N.M. and Mike "Indiana" Adams of Elkhart, Ind. and McCook's own Saggy Bottom Boys. The event is sponsored by Buffalo Commons Storytelling Committee.

The parade is scheduled to kick off Saturday's events at 9:30 a.m. and the annual band competition will follow at Weiland Field. As has been the tradition for several years, the children can enjoy a minnow race at Norris Park and musical entertainment will be provided at the McCook Bandshell.

Entertainers at the park include Ashley Wood, Julie Roundtree, Joan Parsons and Micheala Ruble just to name a few.

The Chamber will also be setting up its ever-popular dunk tank where residents can take aim at a number of local celebrities.

While the list of participants at the craft fair is far from complete, some of the items which will be displayed at the weekend event include woodworking, hand-woven hand bags, weavers, floral and feather arrangements, homemade maple syrup, wrought iron lawn ornaments, African art and "lots of candles," said Marie Owen, Director of the McCook Chamber of Commerce.

In the food department, the Chamber will be selling its famous home-made ice cream Saturday and Sunday in the park and there will be a pancake breakfast Sunday, 7:30-9:30 a.m. in the park. A free will offering will be accepted at the pancake breakfast.

Those interested in participating in the parade should contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce as soon as possible to sign up.

For more information on any event call (308) 345-3200.