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Record crowds turn out
Despite a temperature drop of 30 degrees in one day, crowds at Heritage Days were estimated at a record size, according to Pam Harsh, Executive Director of the McCook Chamber of Commerce.
"People were telling me that this was the most people they've seen at the parade," said Harsh, who added that she heard a lot of good comments concerning the weekend celebration. Five class reunions also met over the weekend, she said.
The High Plains Freedom Flight had less luck this weekend, with only a few balloons completing their launch.
"It was an odd morning, weather-wise," said John Kugler, who explained that although the wind was calm on ground, the wind kept changing and that gusts higher up in elevation could have caused major damage to the balloons and occupants. Kugler said he and the three other balloonists managed to get 15 minutes in before coming down.
"It was a no-win situation," said Kugler.
Parade awards were presented by Gov. Dave Heineman in the Norris Park Bandshell, with Common Scents taking first place in Small Business, and McCook National Bank winning first in Large Business.
Other awards went to: Team and Wagon, Cole family Horse and Buggy; Antique Farm Machinery, Mike Searcey; Antique Car, Cy Haag; Classic Car, Kermit Arterburn; Class Reunion, 1945; Community, Civic and Church, Stars of the Future, First Grade class of McCook Elementary. Perkins County captured First Place in the School Band competition.
The Heritage Challenge was a big crowd pleaser, said Harsh.
With 13 teams and 52 people competing, contestants went through a series of events which included scaling a rock wall and following clues throughout downtown businesses. AmFirst Bank came in first, McCook Daily Gazette second, with Community Hospital of McCook third.