Don't miss once-in-a-lifetime weekend

“I’ll go next year.”

“We are out of town this time, but it’ll be even bigger and better next year when you do it.”

“It happens every year. I’ll catch it next time.”

These are just a few of the statements made about the upcoming Chautauqua this weekend in McCook.

But what many people don’t realize is that this doesn’t happen every year in McCook. It doesn’t happen every decade in McCook. Heck, it hasn’t happened in this century.

McCook hasn’t hosted a Chautauqua since 1990.

To put that in perspective, many of McCook and Southwest Nebraska’s current residents didn’t live here then. And some weren’t even born yet when McCook hosted the historical-based event.

And if it is another 30 years until McCook is home to a chautauqua again, many of the current residents may not live here anymore. And to be realistic, some won’t even be alive anymore when McCook next hosts the historical-based event.

So this may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for residents of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas to attend the Chautauqua.

But let’s take a step back for a moment.

What exactly is a chautauqua?

“Chautauqua” is an Iroquois word with multiple meanings, including “a bag tied in the middle” or “two moccasins tied together.” The word describes the shape of Chautauqua Lake, located in southwest New York, which was the setting for the Chautauqua Institution, the first educational assembly in what became a significant movement at the turn of the 20th Century.

At the height of the chautauqua movement in 1915, more than 12,000 communities were hosting the events.

But what exactly is a chautauqua in today’s world?

Chautauqua is a unique opportunity for communities to explore key time periods of history and culture that still affect our lives today. In McCook this weekend, the chautauqua will explore the 1950s and the impact that decade had on American history then and still does today.

Chautauquas are having a small renaissance. People are discovering that lifelong learning is one of the keys to living a happy, fulfilling life.

But again, what exactly will happen at this chautauqua in McCook this weekend?

To put it simply, the event will bring history to life with speakers portraying historical figures including Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall. There will be models showcasing the fashions of the 1950s. There will be lectors and scholars leading discussions about the sweeping social and political changes of the 1950s.

The Chautauqua kicks off with a ‘50s-themed afternoon tea at the High Plains Museum at 3 p.m. today (Friday) and a car show along D Street. Activities move to the Fox Theater with a ‘50s fashion show at 5 p.m. with local models and the keynote speaker at 7 p.m. about the Eisenhower years. And the night wraps up with a sock-hop in Norris Alley between the Keystone and Fox. Dig out those bobby socks and poodle skirts (or just join in whatever is comfortable) for a beautiful night on Norris Avenue.

And Saturday is packed with activities with everything from a farmer’s market in the morning to a discussion about the issues at the Keystone that evening. The day is packed with speakers at the museum and the Keystone — visitors can attend all, one or some of the sessions.

No need to say there is nothing to do in town. No need to load up the car and drive hours to an event. And thanks to many generous sponsors, no need to say you can’t go because of the cost because everything is free.

Hosted and coordinated by Humanities Nebraska, the Chautauqua is a unique opportunity to learn about our history and explore how we can use that knowledge to create communities where we want to live, work and play.

Who knows when there will be another chautauqua in McCook, so take advantage of the opportunity on McCook’s “front door” this weekend.