A tradition of heritage, celebration and community

Another Heritage Days week is behind us, and once again, McCook has shown what happens when a community pulls together. City staff, Chamber leadership and countless volunteers managed a week of reunions, community spirit and unapologetic fun that reflected well on our town.

On Wednesday morning, after our lingering hail storm, the streets of McCook looked like a war zone with leaves, branches and other debris scattered throughout the city. By Friday, however, the transformation was noticeable. City crews worked in force to give the city a polish before visitors arrived. Hats off to city staff for making preparations under difficult circumstances.

The logistics of the celebration itself were coordinated by chamber director Sarah Schneider, who once again orchestrated a project of remarkable scope. Heritage Days involves a great number of moving parts and nearly all of them rely on volunteer effort. That she manages to pull it together with efficiency and good cheer is a testament to her skill and dedication.

The clean-up after the gathering was impressive as well. When bicycle riders camped at Kelley Park earlier this summer, the grounds were spotless by the following afternoon. The same could be said on Sunday morning, after the vendors and celebrants packed Norris Avenue and filled Norris Park the day before. Only a trained eye could find evidence of the festivities.

McCook also makes an impression on newcomers. I met a North Carolina contractor who came to town to help repair storm damage told of enjoying the free meal and table service at the Third Thursday event. He spoke with equal enthusiasm about antique cars, live music and the level of energy felt throughout the city.

Like any proud resident, I looked our visitor straight in the eye and assured him that we do this every weekend.

It was about 75 degrees with a light breeze when we spoke, so I made it a point to complain about the weather. I explained how boring it is to have the same 75 degrees, day after day, year-round. When I hinted that our weekly parades sometimes take a second lap just for fun, he began to suspect I was stretching the truth a bit, but we shared a good laugh. More importantly, it’s very clear that he left with a lasting positive impression of McCook as a place to live, work and play.

That impression didn’t come about by chance—it was the direct result of the people who make the celebration possible year after year. While Schneider deserves praise for the difficult task of wrangling volunteers, the story cannot end there. Hundreds of individuals and businesses contribute time, labor and financial support. Businesses, in particular, are known to lend staff to volunteer while still on the company clock. That represents a real investment, not easily measured, but one that enriches the celebration for everyone.

The result is more than a parade or a fair. It is a gathering of people who take pride in where they live, and it is a chance to showcase what McCook offers. The floats, music, food and vendors all add up to a community snapshot—one that honors the past while living fully in the present.

The traditions behind Heritage Days stretch back decades. The first “German Heritage Days” in 1970 built on earlier expressions of civic life, from Col. H.P. Sutton leading the Nebraska Brigade Band in 1889 to the construction of the bandshell in City Park in 1917. Each generation has added its voice, and the chorus grows richer with time.

Thanks are due to all who participated this year—whether by volunteering, sponsoring, contributing or simply attending. McCook again proved that a celebration of heritage is not just about the past. It is also about who we are today and our aspirations for the future.