Kick off the new year in style

Got the post-Christmas, cold weather wintertime blues?

We don't blame you. Miserable weather disrupted some holiday travel plans and after all of the build-up, it's always sad to see the space under the tree empty and Dec. 25th receding into our memories.

But there is something we can do, something people in cold-weather climates have been doing for millennia -- make our own fun.

Thankfully, many of us have another short work week, with New Year's Day on Friday, and this one promises to be a very special occasion in McCook.

That's because McCook has been chosen as the site for Nebraska's only "First Night USA," the National Association of Community-based New Year's Eve Arts Festivals.

Started in Boston in 1976, the celebration has spread to about 80 cities across the United States. Its mission is to build community and celebrate diversity using the arts -- music, dance, theatre and the visual arts -- as catalysts for unifying citizens on New Year's Eve through creativity, imagination and participation.

Spearheaded by the McCook Young Leaders with the help of the McCook Economic Development Corp., the Thursday night, non-alcoholic family event will follow national guidelines to include a downtown promenade, this one to the Keystone Hotel for a balldrop, fireworks and music at midnight.

Support the event and get breaks on admission prices to dozens of events and other offers by purchasing a First Night Button for $5 for adults or $3 for youth ages 6-18 and children under 5 free.

They include the Throwing Picassos Show, a jugglers and balancing act at the Fox Theater at 7:30 p.m.; the cult hit Rocky Horror Picture Show at 12:30 a.m. at the Fox Theater; sacred and classical music with local talent at the United Methodist Church from 7 to 11:30 p.m.; comedian Sam Adams at Sehnert's Bakery and Biéroc Cafe with doors opening at 6 p.m.; a DJ dance from 9 to 11:30 p.m. at the City Parking Lot, E. First and D; model train display from 7 p.m. to midnight at the club's downstairs room on Norris Avenue; Austin Edwards and Colten Hiatt acoustic show at Longnecker Jewelry at 7:30 p.m. with intermission by James Zlomke; Tre Sostre and the Gentlemen's Club at the High Plains Museum from 8 to 9 p.m.; and the YMCA Resolution 2.57-mile run/walk starting at Norris and F Street, with check in at 9:30 p.m. For the kids, a Make Your Own Mask and Competition is set for 7 to 11:30 p.m. at the McCook Art Guild, and gator kart rides, provided by Sen. Mark Christensen, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the City Parking Lot, East First and D streets.

Crowds are urged to assemble for the promenade to the Keystone at 11:30 p.m., proceed there at 11:45 p.m., and enjoy the ball drop, fireworks and music at midnight.

To purchase a First Night button stop in at Accents Etc., Brown's Shoe Fit, El Puerto, First Central Bank, Game On, Longnecker Jewelry, McCook National Bank, Sears, Sehnert's Bakery Biéroc Cafe, Spotlight Studios, U.S. Cellular or the YMCA.

The weather is predicted to be moderate for the Thursday night activities, so we hope the forecasters are right.

Will the rest of this winter be as brutal as it has been so far? Only time will tell. But taking part in activities like First Night should help pass the time until spring much more quickly.