Chamber finalizing Heritage Days plans

McCOOK, Neb.-- Organizing a community celebration requires a lot of flexibility, according to Chamber President Brandi McConnell, and she wishes there were more hours in the day. She said the Heritage Days schedule “keeps changing,” but she also feels the planning committee is in a good place to pull off a fun-packed event from September 22 to 26.

As of today, the schedule starts with a mixer at MNB Bank on Wednesday, Sept. 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the announcement of Heritage Days Royalty. On Friday, the Norris Breakfast will be held at McCook Christian Church at 7 a.m. On Saturday, the Heritage Days Road Race will begin on the east side of Norris Park. The race starts at 7:30 a.m., with registration beginning at 6:30 a.m. Vendors will be set up in Norris Park from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Heritage Days Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday on Norris Avenue. This year, candy will be allowed to be handed out throughout the parade route. However, because of COVID concerns, Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department encourages wearing a mask when preparing the candy and limiting exposure by minimizing the number of people who touch it before handing out the candy.

A Bison Alumni Golf Tournament will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Heritage Hills. On Sunday, the vendors will return to Norris Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

McConnell said they are still confirming the schedule for entertainment in the Norris Park Band shell on Saturday and Sunday.

McConnell is encouraging Heritage Days vendors to sign up as soon as possible. Non-food vendors will be charged $50 (chamber member) or $75 (non-member). Food vendor pricing is $125 (member) and $150 (non-member). Sign up is available on the chamber’s website.

Sign-up for parade entries is also available on the chamber’s website. There is no cost to participate in the parade, but McConnell said early registration is helpful so that the line-up and narrative can be produced ahead of the day.

The Heritage Days Parade Marshal position recognizes a current resident who has devoted time, talent, and energy to foster the growth and development of McCook. The Honor Family Award recognizes a family with roots in Southwest Nebraska and who has provided a positive role model or community presence throughout the years. The nominations for Parade Marshal and Honor Family are due by Sept. 16. Royalty applications are due September 8. Royalty winners will be eligible for scholarships at McCook Community College. Those applications are also available on the chamber’s website.

In addition to Heritage Days planning, McConnell also expressed enthusiasm about the recent chamber mixer held in conjunction with Community Hospital’s open house for the Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center and Medical Specialists Center held last week. “It was my first mixer and I feel it went really well.”

Another first for McConnell was the teacher’s breakfast sponsored by Walmart and held at McCook Christian Church last week. McConnell had high praise for Walmart, which gave away school supplies, gift cards, and door prizes to welcome the teachers to the area.

Next Thursday, the chamber will sponsor Ribbon Cutting for new chamber member High Plains Historical Society at 9:30 a.m.