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‘A bash to remember: a big day on the bricks’
MCCOOK, Neb. - The Chamber promised a day packed with fun, food, music, and classic cars, and they delivered. On Saturday, the McCook Chamber of Commerce, Cruisin’ the Bricks Car Show and Tour de Nebraska came together to give the community an event to remember.
Chamber Director Sarah Schneider, along with the Chamber Board—Karen Craw, Kerri Waugh, Charlie McPherson, Leanne Miller, Tera Koetter, Sharon Kircher, Jade Lesko and City Manager Nate Schneider—put in countless hours of planning to ensure the Bash came together seamlessly.
Chairwoman Waugh commented afterwards that bringing three large events together felt special, and “having it all together on the bricks really made it flow together so nicely.” She added, “Sarah Schneider did a phenomenal job of bringing all three pieces together, and letting them flow and come together the way they did.”
During the festivities, Schneider was focused entirely on how well her team had pulled everything off. With a big smile, she said, “My board has worked so hard to make this happen, and I absolutely couldn’t have done it without them.” Board members were kept busy under the tents during the event, but the planning had been happening for months. “What a great event. It was just the perfect opportunity for our community to get together and enjoy some free entertainment. And the fireworks at the end were the perfect way to end with a bang.”
For the Chamber, events like this are vital to a strong, healthy community. By bringing vendors together, providing entertainment, and raising funds, they support McCook and its local economy. The event also serves as a moment to recognize individuals who go above and beyond for the city.
This year, two community members were honored. Cal Siegfried received the Community Builder Award, a testament to his involvement in many of McCook’s most beloved events. As Schneider shared during her presentation, “He’s been the voice behind so many of our favorite events—from Buffalo Commons to Heritage Days—always ready with a story, a quick wit, and just the right words to bring a crowd together.” Siegfried was described as someone who “shows up, steps in, lifts up others, and makes us laugh while he’s doing it—that’s what makes a true community builder.”
Siegfried accepted the award saying, “I am truly humbled. I’m actually speechless!” He thanked McCook for being a community that “has given our family- so much.”
The Community Service award was presented to Lisa Felker, honored as someone who serves our community, “with compassion, purpose and deep commitment.” Schneider highlighted her accomplishments serving in her church, helping to organized large-scale events, and lending a hand whenever needed. She was also credited for her leadership in United Way Community Chest in Southwest Nebraska, which has raised awareness and support for dozens of local organizations. Her positive influence and impact have been felt over the past four decades of service, and she continues to “champion education in lifelong learning.”
Felker was grateful for the recognition and support of her entire family and her employees. As Schneider said on her behalf, “She can get that work done and have the support of her family being by her side- as a volunteer, it’s huge.”
Two Omaha bands filled downtown McCook with a vibrant energy that only live music can bring. The Broadways kicked off the festivities during the hottest part of the day. Carl Brown on lead guitar, Jake Reisdorf on drums, Caleb Collins at lead vocals, and Richea McCain on bass were a crowd favorite that set the tone for a great night.
Later, Gotcha Covered featuring Mark Yosten on guitar, Annette Wallace on the keyboard, Stacie Masur on lead vocals, Jeff Peck on drums, Max Brochtrup on bass, and Craig Wallace on guitar brought even more heat to the street as they began their set, kicking off the dance. The evening eventually cooled off and ended on a high note with fireworks.
Although the collaborative effort was a relatively new endeavor for the Chamber, Schneider and her team- working together with Wagner Auto Group and Tour de Nebraska- brought it all together for a memorable day in McCook.