Heritage Days proves we really are a community

Celebrities ranging from James Bond to Coach Gross to Elton John, Jay Leno, to Larry the Cable Guys, Clint Eastwood, Miss Piggy and many others turned out for the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce's version of "Deal or No Deal" at Memorial Auditorium, the second night of what promises to be one of the biggest Heritage Days weekends ever.

Schmick's hamburgers, a sidewalk chalk event and art show rounded out the event, moved indoors by the threat of rain.

And, things didn't slow down today, with "Sen. and Mrs. George Norris" speaking at the prayer breakfast, more activities throughout the day at the Heritage Senior Center, and the Southwest Nebraska Art Auction at 7 p.m. at the Fox Theatre.

Saturday dawns bright and early with a fun run and walk starting with registration at 7 a.m., followed by the centerpiece Heritage Days Parade at 10 a.m., followed by entertainment and many other activities at Norris Park and Saturday Night at the Fox featuring local talent at 7:30 p.m.

Lest things slow down Sunday, Community Hospital's free barbecue at noon is followed by a groundbreaking ceremony for its major new project.

Sen. Ben Nelson will barely have time to catch his breath between that ceremony and his townhall meeting on health care reform, set for 3 p.m. Sunday at the Heritage Senior Center, 1400 W. Fifth.

And those events are only the tip of the iceberg, with class reunions and many other gatherings scheduled for the weekend.

Heritage Days is truly something special. As Wednesday night's chamber mixer proved, we have some special people in this town, who are willing to go above and beyond in serving their community.

Thursday night's events proved they are willing to have make fun of themselves while doing it.

This weekend's events will prove that we really are a great community, and we're willing to work together and sacrifice to make sure it stays that way.