'Heritage' especially key to this year's celebration

We all enjoy the parade, entertainment, food and fun of Heritage Days, but there's a lot of "heritage" that should get our attention this week.

"Life's Shining Moments" is the theme of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce events, and beginning 75 years ago, Rural Electric Administration provided the power to illuminate much of rural America.

Bob Harris of the Tennessee Valley Authority will speak at Friday's prayer breakfast, sponsored by the George W. Norris Foundation, which honors the "father of the TVA."

Ending a busy weekend of activities will be a 75th anniversary celebration of the REA, set for 2-4 p.m. Sunday in the newly renovated Keystone Business Center.

We have to wonder how much of the original activity that resulted in rural electrification took place in that same building, which served as the community center during the peak of Sen. George Norris' power in Washington.

The public is invited to tour the newly re-energized building from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the public open house.

A matrix of other important events surround those three keynote activities, of course, starting with the chamber mixer at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at McCook National Bank, Charlotte Endorf's presentation, "Fragile Excess Baggage," on the Orphan Trains at 7:30 p.m. Friday, the Heritage Days Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, classic country music by "The Pilgrims" at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday starts off with Heritage Sunday worship in Norris Park at 10 a.m.

That park, of course, will be a busy place all weekend, with a car show Saturday, arts and crafts fair Saturday and Sunday, concerts, games and contests Saturday afternoon.

And, don't forget to take in the quilt show at the George Norris Home and Wrightstone Art Gallery at McCook Community College.

Look for a complete rundown of times, places and activities in Wednesday's Gazette.