Going out on a limb for Dive-In

Trying something new and different can be daunting, but the next two weeks will include two vastly different events that will test nerves, stamina and will-power…and that is just the participants.

The first event is the movie, “Jaws,” which will be shown on Friday at the YMCA.

The back-to-school event is open to students 11 to 19 years old, who will sit on floaties in the pool and watch the film on the west wall of the YMCA pool.

There will be blood.

There will be detached limbs. (Get the headline yet?)

There will be scary moments as the movie-goers watch Jaws from the comfy confines of the pool.

We have had more than one person offer to swim underneath those floating in the pool. Rest assured, we have turned them all down, although it was mighty tempting.

The event is a collaboration between the YMCA and YCR (Youth Change Reaction, a youth organization with the McCook Community Foundation Fund).

With a limit of 100 students, you can take a chance and sign-up the evening of the movie. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the movie to begin at 8:30 p.m. But parents are encouraged to stop by the YMCA before Friday night and sign the release for students.

There is no charge for the movie, although a free-will donation will be accepted.

The “Dive-In” movie is open to both YMCA members and non-members, but participants must also be able to swim.

One of the most interesting parts of this whole project has been the realization that “Jaws” is rated “only” PG. \It was released in 1976, before the PG-13 rating was created.

This movie is a known entity about a shark which terrorizes a town.

Spoiler alert: townspeople die and the shark does meet her demise at the end, quite graphically.

So, parents need to consider whether the movie is suitable for their child.

Despite the chewy subject matter of the movie, response to the “Dive-In” movie has been tremendous. Actually, people are upset that it’s not open to all ages.

But if this event goes well, we hope to host future water-themed movies at the YMCA, such as Finding Nemo or Little Mermaid. There is the potential of a flood wet fun.

Randy’s Run

Also, brand new is Randy’s Run on Saturday, Aug. 18, which includes a 5K, half-marathon and a four-person team category.

The course covers 3.1 miles at Red Willow State Recreation Area north of McCook.

There is no easy way to say it: the course is tough as it covers the trails around the lake, the hills on the lake road and the uneven ground across a field.

But it is the turn-around we are most excited about: the new bison viewing area with the potential of running up to the herd of bison at Hugh Butler Lake.

Randy’s Run is being held in memory of Randy Andrew who passed away last August.Randy was the coordinator for the Bison Alumni Newsletter, hence the race logo featuring a bison and created by Tara Peterman, art teacher at MHS.

Those who participate in this latest addition to the Republican River Fitness Series will also be testing their nerves, stamina and will-power, just like those watching Jaws.

But on the plus side, there will be fewer sharks involved. The