Governor's Ball set for Dec. 8

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Get ready, McCook. The community’s biggest formal event in 16 years will take place Saturday night, Dec. 8. That’s when the George W. Norris Foundation and the McCook Quasquicentennial Committee presents the 2007 McCook Governor’s Ball at the Republican River Valley Event Center.

It will be a formal event. In this usually casual community, that’s a rarity. In fact, the town’s last Governor’s Ball in 1991 was one of the few times in recent years that formal attire has been suggested.

“The 2007 ball will be a McCook style dressy event,” said Linda Maiden, who is among those planning the Governor’s Ball. “By that I mean tuxedos and long dresses will be appropriate, but not required. At the last Governor’s Ball, some men wore tuxes and some wore suits and ties. Women’s wear was also varied, with some ladies attired in long dresses and formals and others in dressy fashions of shorter lengths.”

McCook citizens, special guests and dignitaries are going to special lengths for two reasons. First of all, the Governor’s Ball is being staged as the culminating event of McCook’s 125th anniversary celebration. In earlier months of the quasquicentennial year, organizers presented a series of events, including the Party on the Bricks in May, the Independence celebration on the Fourth of July and the Heritage Days celebration, with a theme of “125 Years of Heritage,” in September.

The second reason is that McCook is the “Home of Governors.” Four men with McCook ties have been governors of Nebraska, including Ralph G. Brooks in 1959-1960; Frank B. Morrison, from 1961-1967; Ben Nelson, from 1991-1999; and Dave Heineman, from 2005 to the present.

Most know of Brooks’, Morrison’s and Nelson’s connection to the community. Brooks was McCook’s superintendent of schools before being elected governor; Morrison served as an attorney in McCook during the mid-part of his life; and Nelson was born and raised here.

Nelson, who has gone on to be a United States Senator, graduated from McCook High School in 1959, then went away to college and a career in law and politics. As a U.S. Senator, he is following in the footsteps of his hero: the late, great “Gentle Knight of Progressive Ideals,” U.S. Congressman and Senator George W. Norris, Throughout his 42 years as a national legislator, Norris lived in McCook.

McCook’s first Governor’s Ball, which took place Saturday, Oct. 5, 1991, was held to honor Nelson, who was inaugurated for his first term as governor in January of 1991. Nelson was joined for the 1991 McCook Governor’s Ball. by three other former governors: Frank Morrison of Lincoln and McCook; James Exon of Lincoln; and Robert Crosby of North Platte. The governors from Kansas and Colorado were represented by top aides.

For this year’s Governor’s Ball, the honored guests will be Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and the state’s First Lady, Sally Ganem. Sen. Nelson also has been invited.

During childhood, Heineman resided in McCook when his father was an assistant manager at the JCPenney store. Heineman also resided in Benkelman when his father was the Penney store manager there.

Planning for the McCook Governor’s Ball started a year ago. Activities will start in the afternoon of Dec. 8, with a “Ladies Sweet Tea” scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the McCook Christian Church. For this event, Robin Marks will play the harp and the Central Connection will perform under the direction of Evie Caldwell. Tickets for the tea are $12 each.

Tickets for the McCook Governor’s Ball are on sale at the McCook Chamber of Commerce office, located at 107 Norris Avenue. The cost for individual tickets is $50 each. Those wishing to come as a group may purchase privately reserved tables for $425. Also, the committee has decided to make Corporate Tables, with seating for eight, available for $450. The Corporate Table will be reserved with a placard announcing the company name.

The social hour for the McCook Governor’s Ball will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, with dinner at 7. The program will be at 8 p.m., followed by dancing to the Lonny Lynn Orchestra.

“Join us in bringing McCook’s Quasquicentennial year to a resounding conclusion,” said Terri Shipshock, a member of the Quasquicentennial Committee. “Because of the four Nebraska governors who have connections to McCook, this is a grand opportunity to celebrate our heritage and honor the statesman who have called this community home.”

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