Don't miss a minute of Heritage Days

Heritage Days is always the biggest doins' of the year for McCook, but this year will be especially special, thanks to the celebration of our 125th birthday.

The festivities start as usual on Wednesday with presentation of the honor family, royalty, grand marshal and parade marshal, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at McCook National Bank.

Events move to Norris Park on Thursday with art in the park, an old-fashioned lunch box auction and "Buffy" bison auction, all at 6 p.m., and "125 Years of Fashion" at 7 p.m.

Friday, The Rev. Dr. Charles Peek speaks at the George W. Norris Prayer Breakfast, 7 a.m. at Memorial Auditorium, events throughout the day at the Heritage Senior Center, and an art show featuring the works of Don Schaaf from 1 to 5 p.m. at the High Plains Museum.

Saturday kicks off with the United Way run and walk beginning with registration at the United Methodist Church, events at Norris Park, and, of course, the Heritage Days Parade at 10 a.m., and the George W. Norris sculpture dedication at noon.

Other events include the 21st annual McCook Army Air Base reunion, beard contest, skateboard demonstrations and entertainment in Norris Park and a special car show Saturday in Barnett Park.

We urge everyone to take in as many events as they can this weekend. But we especially want to recommend attending Saturday afternoon and evening events at the historic Fox Theater in downtown McCook.

That's because that will be the site for special Quasquicentennial events celebrating McCook's birthday.

They start at 4 p.m. with a free movie, "Whispering Smith," starring Alan Ladd. It was written by former McCook resident Frank Spearman.

At 6:30 p.m., a filmed interview with Mrs. George "Ellie" Norris, conducted by historian Robert Manley when Ellie was 96 years old will be screened The film was donated by the McCook Public Power District to the Norris Home.

David Landis of Lincoln will portray Sen. George Norris at 7 p.m., the same role he played at the Kearney Chautauqua.

His portrayal of Sen. Norris grows out of his experience in theater, government -- as a state senator -- and education.

The evening will close with a performance of the McCook heritage Singers at 8 p.m. at the Fox.

Kathy Latta will direct singers Sue Ankersen, Sheryl Havens, Janet Hepp, Jeri Lynn Karr, Kathy Latta, Robin Marks, Angie Reiners, Russ Ankersen, Merlin Brown, Charles Coleman, Greg Hepp, Carl Philo and Walt Sehnert. Others include Mike Ford on percussion, Darren Karr on bass, Jean Sehnert on piano, Russ Ankersen and Jon Reiners on sound and John Hubert as projectionist.

Dan Stramel and members of the McCook American Legion, Chris Hansen Post 203, will provide the honor guard.

As we can see, it takes a lot of people to put on a show like that planned for the Fox on Saturday night. Multiply that by a dozen or more, and it's apparent just how many people Heritage Days involves.

We know you won't want to miss a minute of it.