Heritage Days kicks off Wednesday

McCook's Heritage Days celebration with kick off with a splash at McCook National Bank on Wednesday with the annual mixer.

During the mixer, honor presentations will be made and the honor family, Heritage Days Royalty, grand marshall and the parade marshall will be announced. The tennis ball auction will also be conducted. The mixer begins at 5:30 p.m.

Ten McCook residents have agreed to step up and take the plunge at the annual tennis dunk. Dr. Dan Farrell of Community Hospital of McCook; Carrie Hoehner Goltl of McCook Public Schools; Chuck Beard drivers license examiner for the state of Nebraska; Sgt. Kevin Darling of the McCook Police Department; Sharlene Crowe of Community Hospital Health Foundation; Jim Hull of McCook National Bank; Gloria Masoner of the McCook Daily Gazette; Paul Hoyt of Wells Fargo Bank; Bob Bonge of Parker-McCook and Brian Loker of McCook Radio Group have agreed to participate in the dunk.

Those who would like to be the one to drop one of the dunkees can bid during the mixer on the opportunity to throw the ball. The dunking will take place Heritage Days Saturday, Sept. 27, 2 p.m., at the Norris Park Bandshell.

Marie Owen, director of McCook Chamber of Commerce said she is very appreciative of the willingness of the community to participate and to be such great sports about getting dunked.

The parade, which will reflect the "We Are One -- McCook" theme will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday. The craft fair will open at 9 a.m., Saturday and close at 6 p.m. Sunday, the craft fail will open at 11 a.m., and close at 4 p.m.

Friday there will be a free Rock and Blues Jam Session at Norris Park from 5 to 10 p.m.

The Norris Foundation Prayer Breakfast will be Friday 7 p.m., at the city auditorium. Special speaker will be Linda Hein, historical site supervisor of the Sen. George W. Norris State Historic Site.

Saturday activities will kick off at 7:15 a.m., with registration for the United Way 5K and one-mile fun run. The race will begin at 8 a.m. The Norris Bandshell will be busy Saturday and Sunday afternoon with entertainment by area bands, Kim Weber, Michaela Ruble, and Robin's School of Dance. Sunday's line-up includes Brendon Funk, The Freedom Swings Band, the Craig Christener Family Bandand the Maverick Band. At 4 p.m., Sunday, the McCook Humane Society will celebrate 20 years of service to the community and at 7 p.m. there will be a team penning competition at the Kiplinger Arena.