The weekend

This weekend was extraordinary in McCook. The average age of vehicles on the road increased substantially, our population swelled by about 350 people and our average resting heart rate dropped by 10 bpm.

The combination of a statewide bike tour, a car show, and a street dance, all happening in one weekend, demonstrated an impressive capacity for coordination and execution not expected from communities of our size. It took organizers, volunteers, sponsors and no small amount of contributed time, money, and in-kind support to make the weekend a success.

Even as headline events took center stage, McCook’s other amenities never missed a beat. The aquatic park was as busy as ever, the YMCA hummed with activity, and although temperatures were in the high 90s, we even saw people using the walking trail. Our community didn’t pause for these special events — it thrived alongside them.

The city was running on all cylinders. Volunteers, organizers, merchants, restaurants, public safety and cleanup crews each played their part like actors in a well-rehearsed play.

Restaurant staff worked long hours during busy meal services, often in sweltering kitchens, while retailers and their employees went the extra mile to welcome visitors and meet the needs of an influx of customers. Hospitality workers ensured that visitors were comfortable, while fuel stations kept everyone moving. Their combined efforts helped create an inviting atmosphere that encouraged guests to linger, spend, and remember McCook as a destination worth returning to.

Meanwhile, the “there’s nothing to do” crowd could only sit in stunned silence.

Even the aftermath was impressive. As we drove past the area of the Graff Center and Kelley Park late Sunday morning, we were struck by the quiet transformation. Only hours before, the grounds had been a tent city hosting hundreds of cyclists; by midday, all evidence of the encampment had disappeared.

The bike tour organizers clearly practiced a “leave no trace” philosophy, but it’s hard to imagine that city staff didn’t play a key role in restoring order. Their preparation for the weekend was also very much in evidence. The town looked good, both before and after events.

The impact of a weekend like this extends beyond community spirit. It represents real economic development. We made a great first impression on a significant number of visitors, and gave a welcomed shot in the arm to the retail and restaurant sectors. We look forward to seeing the sales tax receipts for the weekend with anticipation.

Following on the heels of Buffalo Commons, our premier cultural event, we have now just witnessed a celebration rivaling Heritage Days in scale — and we’re not finished yet. The Fourth of July weekend is just warming up with festivities already planned by the energetic Freedom Fest team.

This is a good time to be in McCook. It is a moment to be enjoyed and a source of community pride. For those who still choose to believe there is nothing to do, now is the time to look up from the screen and take notice.