Memorial dedication, groundbreaking part of Heritage Days week

Floats are under construction as one of the biggest weeks of the year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

"Lookin' Fine in '09" Is the theme of this year's parade, but McCook residents are celebrating Heritage Days in a special way this year.

Of special note will be dedication of the Veteran War Memorial at about noon Saturday, following the parade. We should all be proud of Trenton Klimper, who enlisted the talents of Cambridge artist Sondra Jonson to his Eagle Scout project into a lasting tribute to those who have fought and died for all that America holds dear.

From honoring past sacrifices to preparing for the future, Sen. Ben Nelson, who has been instrumental in ensuring the survival of rural hospitals, will take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for Community Hospital's new $30 million expansion at 1 p.m. Sunday. The public is invited to a catered barbecue lunch from noon until the time of the groundbreaking ceremony.

Also special this year will be the Great Southwest Nebraska Art Auction at 7:30 p.m. Friday night in the Fox Theatre, with proceeds going to renovation of the theater. The theater will also be the venue for hometown talent with "Saturday Night at the Fox" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

A busy week of activities starts 5:30 p.m. Wednesday with the annual chamber mixer at McCook National Bank, with the honor family, royalty, grand marshal and parade marshal announced at 7:30 p.m.

Fun continues at Norris Park Thursday with a barbecue at 5:30 p.m., "Deal or No Deal" hilarity at 6 p.m. along with art in the park and kids' sidewalk chalk art.

Friday morning kicks off with the George W. Norris Foundation Prayer Breakfast, "Norris Speaks on Faith" at 7 a.m. at the Heritage Senior Center. The senior center will also host a card party at 9 a.m., refreshments at 10 a.m., picnic lunch at noon, entertainment at 12:30 p.m. and bingo at 1 p.m.

At 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. Sunday, the Museum of the High Plains, 413 Norris Ave., with have World War II and DAR Displays.

At the Sen. George Norris Home on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., Jewel Brunimeir of Baird will give a demonstration of her spinning wheel, spinning wool and several other fibers, including those from buffalo, goat, rabbit, yak and dog. Participants also will be allowed to take a spin on the wheel.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, old-fashioned games such as pick-up sticks, jacks, jump rope and others will be demonstrated at Playthings and Past Times" at the Norris Home. Kids of all ages are invited to try their skills.

Also scheduled for the weekend is the quilt show, with quilts made this year to incorporate the Heritage Days theme, 'Looking Fine in '09."

Saturday kicks off with the 5K Run/Walk with registration at 7 a.m., the Rotary Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. north of the Keystone Building, the Heritage Days Car Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Norris Park, Arts and Crafts Fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Norris Park, and, of course, the Heritage Days Parade at 10 a.m.

Kids games, bingo, entertainment and other activities are set for Norris Park throughout the afternoon.

Sunday also includes a church service at 10 a.m. at Norris Park, a Punt, Pass, Kick contest at 2 p.m. at Weiland Field as well as other activities mentioned earlier.

If that isn't enough to keep you busy this week, there are other activities as well. Enjoy your Heritage Days week.