Heritage Days

McCOOK Neb. - The ArtBank in McCook served as a gathering place for community members today as they came together for the annual Norris Institute Breakfast. This year's event featured Charlyne Berens as the guest speaker, who shared her insights on Nebraska's unique legislative system...

McCOOK, Neb. - The MNB Bank mixer kicked off Heritage Days with a celebration of German heritage. Brian Esch, CEO of MNB Bank, praised the McCook Chamber of Commerce for organizing over 100 vendors for Saturday’s celebration in Norris Park. Four Heritage Days Royalty candidates were recognized, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship from McCook Community College. Kelly Rippen, VP of MCC, highlighted the college’s scholarship opportunities and community involvement...

McCOOK, Neb. - The 2023 Heritage Days Honor Family, Pam and Greg Wolford, are considered pillars of the community. Pam, a retired McCook High School teacher, is involved in the City of McCook Library Board, Youth Change Reaction, PEO, McCook Community Foundation Fund, and Bison Days committee. She continues to be dedicated to education, offering her services as a tutor...

McCOOK, Neb. — With less than a month on the job, McCook Chamber President and CEO Casey Flint described her first few weeks as “drinking out of the fire hose.” That’s because she started her duties in the middle of the chamber’s busiest time. Details are being finalized for McCook’s largest celebration, Heritage Days, with most of those duties falling to the chamber of commerce...

McCOOK, Neb. — State Sen. Danielle Conrad will be the featured speaker at the annual George Norris Breakfast Friday, Oct. 13, as part of the Heritage Days celebration. Her presentation on the Unicameral Legislature will begin at 7 a.m. at McCook Christian Church...

McCOOK, Neb. — State Sen. Danielle Conrad will be the featured speaker at the annual George Norris Breakfast Friday, Oct. 13, as part of the Heritage Days celebration. Her presentation on the Unicameral Legislature will begin at 7 a.m. at McCook Christian Church...

There were '80s in abundance Saturday, to follow the Heritage Days theme, with more than one candidate — such as Robin Stevens, left, third from top right — taking the chance to campaign. Parade winners included Antique Car — Remington Automotive, Antique Tractor — Shields Tractor, Class Reunion — Class of 1992, Organization — McCook Cordials, Large Business — MNB Bank, Small Business — BlessEng’s Childcare, Youth — McCook Starz Dance Team and Band — McCook Senior High School Marching Band. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Only about a week remains for vendors to sign up for a spot in Norris Park or for organizations to sign up to participate in the parade for Heritage Days 2022. The deadline is September 30 for those two items. Heritage Days begins Wednesday, Oct 5...

McCOOK, Neb. – Heritage Days turns 50 this year, so the theme will be “Retro 1971” according to Chamber President Brandi McConnell. Brandi said planning is just beginning, but vendor applications for Norris Park are available online at https://bit.ly/3rDrBcG, or they can be picked up at the chamber office...

Heritage Days Norris Park 2020

2020 Heritage Days Parade

McCOOK, Neb. — 2020 is an historic year, so be prepared for future fourth graders wanting to interview you about it, said the keynote speaker at the George W. Norris Prayer Breakfast this morning. As the director of History Nebraska (formerly the State Historical Society), Trevor Jones is a fan of all things historical and speculated on how Sen. George Norris would respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues impacting Nebraskans today...

McCOOK, Neb – The Heritage Days Grand Marshal joked, “You don’t have to be good, you just have to be old to get an award,” adding, “I love this community, it has so much to offer.” Dennis Berry was named the Heritage Days Grand Marshal during a mixer hosted by MNB Bank and taking place at the Keystone Business Center Wednesday evening. The award winners were announced from the balcony of the historic building, while attendees were able to social distance on Norris Avenue...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The public is invited to join in the McCook Heritage Days celebration as former U.S. Sen. and Nebraska Gov. Ben Nelson personally welcomes the public Saturday, 1 p.m. at the southeast entrance of McCook Public Library with the announcement of the future Birdella Nelson Technology Center...

McCOOK, Neb. -- “What would George Norris think about 2020?” That is the question History Nebraska CEO, Trevor Jones, will address as the keynote speaker at the McCook 2020 Norris Breakfast, Sept, 25 at 7 a.m. The breakfast is an annual event hosted by the Norris Institute, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the legacy of former U.S. Senator George Norris...

McCOOK, Neb. — Viaero Wireless Heritage Days 2020 is a go, with a few adjustments made due to COVID-19. “We’re very excited to be able to have it…we’ve been in conversations with the local health department to make sure we satisfy all the requirements,” said Dawson Brunswick, McCook Chamber of Commerce director. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — How you treat others matters, something Sen. George W. Norris learned early on. And Sen. Norris was a living example of how to do that, said Ben Nelson, former U.S. senator, Nebraska governor and the keynote speaker at the George W. Norris Prayer Breakfast at McCook Christian Church this morning...

McCOOK, Neb. -- A farmer-rancher/educator duo is the 2019 Heritage Days Honor Family and a man simply known as “Coach” is the 2019 Heritage Days Parade Marshal. Dale and Mary (Anderson) Dueland both grew up in McCook, graduating from McCook High School in 1972 and 1973 respectively. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — A new mural by rural Indianola artist Roxann Owens is the centerpiece of the recently-renovated display of the career of McCook Gazette founder and publisher and reclamationist Harry Strunk at the Museum of the High Plains in downtown McCook...

McCOOK, Neb. — The 2018 Heritage Days Parade Marshals do not have deep roots in the area. Nonetheless, their impact in the community is immeasurable. Bruce and Cathy McDowell happened upon McCook when they were passing through on their way from Denver to Illinois. A spring snowstorm stalled them in the area for a few days. They decided to take a look around and they liked what they saw. They were most impressed by the affordability of housing and the friendliness of the people...

McCOOK, Neb. — The lineup for Heritage Days is set, and the McCook Chamber board of directors excited about the annual celebration. The level of participation is up, according to Chamber Executive Director Jamie Mockry. Although not an official Heritage Days event, the Christian concert on Sunday will kick off a busy week of fun, food, and celebrations. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Distinguished McCook High School alum, Wallis Marsh of Houston, Texas, is the featured speaker at the 2018 Norris Breakfast. Held in conjunction with Heritage Days, the Norris Breakfast celebrates the legacy of McCook’s most famous resident, Sen. George W. Norris. Ginger Ten Bensel will provide the musical entertainment...

Heritage Days 2017 Parade

Heritage Days 2017 celebrates the 150th birthday of Nebraska and the 135th birthday of McCook. In the “Birthday Bash” parade Saturday morning, Barb Dailey, left, and Billie Jo Hueftle rode the “Red Willow Cowboy Church” float, and Billie Jo snuggled with Felicia, her baby donkey. Peace Lutheran Church announced its annual Christmas “Live Nativity” presentation with a chariot driven by Phil Bamesberger. His “soldiers’ included his wife, Janice, and Brian Strauch...

McCOOK, Neb. — The best way to pay tribute to George W. Norris is to follow his example, doing all we can as citizens to preserve the principles of the U.S. Constitution. That was the message delivered this morning by Andy Long, the keynote speaker at the 2017 George W. Norris Prayer Breakfast at the McCook Christian Church...

Shary skiles Publisher McCOOK, Neb. — The 2017 Heritage Days Parade Marshals will be John and Judy Anderson. When they are not leading the Heritage Days Parade, you can find this couple throughout the community, volunteering with various organizations, including helping to plan the Heritage Days events. “She sits on the Heritage Day committee at the Chamber of Commerce,” said Chamber Executive Director Jamie Mockry, “and yes, I think we have kept it a secret from them.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — While it has been almost 75 years since Sen. George W. Norris died, the legacy of his accomplishments and his character grows in relevance. This weekend, the momentum of the Norris legacy takes on a bigger role during McCook’s Heritage Days celebration...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Pantry plans its second annual “Heritage Days Donations Days,” “relocating” to Norris Park for a two-day food collection event during McCook’s annual Heritage Days Celebration. The Pantry booth will be open in the park Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m until 6 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., accepting non-perishable foods for the Pantry shelves and monetary donations for the Pantry treasury...

The vice president of McCook Community College, Andy Long, will be the speaker at the 2017 Norris Institute Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast, a traditional observation during McCook’s Heritage Days celebration, will take place Friday, Sept. 22, at McCook Christian Church, located at 507 West B Street. The breakfast will be catered by Schmick’s Market...

AmFirst Bank goes "Back in Time" to the days of tie-die and flower power and "Peace, man" to win the large business award in McCook's annual Heritage Days parade Saturday morning. Going back on the "ode to the 1960's" float were AmFirst representatives Jim O'Dea and Charlotte Dunworth. ...

Caleb Hawley and his band perform Thursday night at the Fox Theatre, his fifth visit to McCook but his first with a full band and the first not at the Bieroc Cafe listening room. A top-10 American Idol contestant, his style has evolved to include soul and funk as well as acoustic folk. Opening acts included the McCook High School select choir, soloist Brynn Golden, Allie Tolliver and Lindi Johnson...

McCOOK, Neb. -- People who selflessly give their time and talents to their community, county and country have been selected members of McCook's 2016 "Heritage Days" royalty court and honorees. The 2016 royalty was revealed Wednesday evening during the McCook Chamber of Commerce Heritage Days mixer hosted annually by McCook National Bank...

The second floor of the McCook Art Guild on Norris Avenue begins to take shape Tuesday afternoon as guild members, Bud Kleckner and Gary Ginther, prepare the recently renovated space for upcoming Heritage Days activities. The guild will host a reunion for the McCook High School Class of 1961 arriving Thursday. The second floor exhibit features artwork exclusively created by 1961 graduates and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday...

McCOOK, Neb. -- For the fourth year in a row, Gavin Harsh and the McCook Optimists are bringing drive-in movies back to McCook. This year's showing will be Saturday night on the south side of the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. A huge screen -- measuring 60 feet wide and 30 feet tall -- will be set up to show two movies, "Frozen," beginning at approximately 8 p.m., and "Remember the Titans," beginning at approximately 10:15 p.m...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Tickets are still available for the George W. Norris Heritage Breakfast, which will be Friday morning, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Heritage Senior Center in McCook. The tickets, which cost $10 each, may be purchased at McCook National Bank, the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce, or by calling Leon Kuhlen art 345-3981...

McCOOK, Neb -- Applications are now available for Heritage Days Royalty. This prestigious honor is open to all male and female high school seniors residing in Red Willow County. The senior who has the highest score will receive a $1,000 scholarship, and the senior with the second highest score will receive a $500 scholarship, both payable to McCook Community College...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Reached at his apartment in Lincoln -- where he is attending summer classes at the University of Nebraska -- Gavin Harsh shared the good news for the fourth straight year: "Once again," he said, "the McCook Optimists are joining with me to bring another drive-in movie to McCook."...

Another Heritage Days in the books, and we felt it was one of the best we've had a long time!! Planning begins in February, and each and every year for the past several years the big question has come up, "Should the name of Heritage Days return to German Heritage Days"?...

I read your editorial concerning putting German back in the Heritage. Day celebration. I have wondered why we call the celebration Heritage Days considering that no heritage is celebrated with this McCook celebration. The only float that had any heritage affiliated with it was for Mexican Americans. No other ethnic group was represented...

Congratulations to the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce and the dozens of other enthusiastic organizations and individuals who helped "The Good Times Roll" for this year's Heritage Days celebration. The parade seeemed to be one of the longest in memory, but it was over all too quickly as we enjoyed a day of pleasant weather outdoors...

McCook, Nebraska "let the good times" roll during its annual "Heritage Days" week of fun, capping it all off with a parade of 92 entries Saturday morning. Cappel Sales honored America's veterans with its float -- veterans facing the east side of Norris Avenue were, above from left, Dan Stramel, John Mabile, Art Skinner, Tyler Hayes, Dick Cappel and Willis Jones. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- During his many years in the U.S. House and Senate, one of the taunts George W. Norris endured from his opponents was that he was 'one of the 'Sons of the Wild Jackasses.'" That was meant to belittle and demean Norris, but the speaker at this morning's Heritage Breakfast, the Rev. Dr. Charles Peek, said Norris's unpredictability and independence were essential elements of his greatness...

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook's 2015 Heritage Days Honor Family is the Kugler family, which includes Diane Kugler and sons, John and Mike. Through the generations beginning in the mid-1920s, the Kugler family has operated several different business ventures in the area, including a service station, a zoo, a dance hall and a motel...

Jennings, Kansas auctioneer and antiques appraiser Bob Jones will be a guest at the Museum of the High Plains in McCook, Nebraska, during the community's annual Heritage Days Weekend Celebration. On Sunday, between 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., visitors can bring their antiques and collectibles to Jones for identification and appraisal; each appraisal, up to five per person, will cost $5. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- A trio of upcoming promotions at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center on the McCook Community College campus will honor community members as well as raising money and awareness for a cause. "Bison Night" is set for Tuesday; "Chamber Night" Oct. 1 and "Pink-Out 2015" scheduled for Oct. 5. Also free popcorn nights are set for Sept. 30 and Oct. 2...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Drive-In movies are returning to McCook during Heritage Days. Thanks to a widespread community effort, led by Gavin Harsh, the special showing is planned Saturday night, Sept. 26, at a new location. The movies will be beamed on to a huge, 800-square foot screen which will be placed on the east end of the paved parking lots in front of the former Alco store and the Victory Christian Academy buildings...

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook Area Chamber of Commerce officials interviewed six 2015 Heritage Days Royalty finalists and the royalty will be revealed Wednesday at the McCook National Bank mixer. McCook Community College will present the two individuals who were selected with college scholarships at that event...

The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Heritage Days celebration is always a great time, but this year's event is shaping up to be one of the best. What could be better than a home football game, a family fun night, a 2 on 2 basketball tournament and a drive-in movie? Or, how about a big band performance or televised Cornhusker game?...