First night of 2011

(Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette)

McCook welcomes 2011 with fireworks, music and dancing -- festivities, fun and laughter in the face of single-digit temperatures on the last night of 2010. During "First Night" activities at the Museum of the High Plains, lead singers Jeri Lynn Karr, above center, left, and Sue Ankersen of Tre Sostre and the Gentleman's Club performed classics from the past. The Carol and Steve Richards family, top center of Holdrege, also entertained at the museum, where 17-year-old Betsy wowed spectators and put them "In the Mood" with her violin/fiddle talents. The Richards youngsters, Marilee, Graham (center) and Isaac, melted even the coldest hearts with their sign language of "Jesus Loves Me." Inside the historic Keystone, six-year-old Lilly and four-year-old Lainie Allen danced to the oldies. Outside, in the bitter cold, fire pits attracted revelers seeking warmth.