Hartington prepares to celebrate 125 years
By Nick Hytrek Journal staff writer | Posted: Thursday, May 22, 2008
HARTINGTON, Neb. -- For the past 18 months, volunteers planning Hartington's quasquicentennial celebration have followed the motto "Let's keep it simple."
Simply put, this northeast Nebraska community has packed its four-day Q125 celebration with so many activities, there's something sure to interest almost anyone.
"We do have a lot of really fun things for people to participate in that aren't costly. Most of the things we're doing are free for people. It's a grassroots celebration that has a lot of good, clean family activities," said Jim Wintz, Q125 chairman.
With 125 years of history to draw upon, celebration organizers have given a nod to the town's pioneer beginnings.
Among the historical events are presentations on President Lincoln's funeral (featuring a replica of his casket) and the history of women's fashion, a wagon train scheduled to arrive Saturday morning and a plowing bee featuring vintage farm equipment Sunday.
"We've tried to do a lot of things that tie into the past," Wintz said.
Putting a twist on history, teams also have built outhouses on wheels for Saturday's outhouse races. Historical displays will be on display at various locations throughout the weekend.
Ideas for the dozens of events were borrowed from other community celebrations and Hartington's centennial celebration in 1983. New ideas were dreamed up by the dozens of volunteers who have helped plan the events.
"They came through with their own ideas of things they thought would be fun," Wintz said.
The celebration officially begins at 4 p.m. Friday with opening ceremonies featuring Gov. Dave Heineman and Hartington native Russ Hochstein, a former Nebraska football star and current member of the NFL's New England Patriots.
Friday highlights include a steak fry at Felber Park and a nighttime parade.
Saturday's big events include the Rediscover Our Past Parade, which includes more than 200 entries, the outhouse races and a street dance at night.
On Sunday is the plowing bee, a car show downtown, kids parade and fireworks display.
The celebration wraps up Monday with a Memorial Day service and appreciation barbecue.
Wintz said the Q125 celebration has given volunteers a chance to reflect on the changes in Hartington since the centennial. A majority of downtown buildings remain occupied, Wintz said, and the town has made numerous improvements to its infrastructure and recreational facilities, including construction of the Hartington Community Complex.
"The economic development committee has worked very hard promoting our community," Wintz said. "We've held onto small-town life, but have been able to make a lot of improvements."
Nick Hytrek can be reached at 712-293-4226 or nickhytrek@siouxcityjournal.com.
If you go
Hartington's Q125 celebration begins Friday and lasts through Monday. To view a list of events and activities, visit www.HartingtonQ125.com.
Simply put, this northeast Nebraska community has packed its four-day Q125 celebration with so many activities, there's something sure to interest almost anyone.
"We do have a lot of really fun things for people to participate in that aren't costly. Most of the things we're doing are free for people. It's a grassroots celebration that has a lot of good, clean family activities," said Jim Wintz, Q125 chairman.
With 125 years of history to draw upon, celebration organizers have given a nod to the town's pioneer beginnings.
Among the historical events are presentations on President Lincoln's funeral (featuring a replica of his casket) and the history of women's fashion, a wagon train scheduled to arrive Saturday morning and a plowing bee featuring vintage farm equipment Sunday.
"We've tried to do a lot of things that tie into the past," Wintz said.
Putting a twist on history, teams also have built outhouses on wheels for Saturday's outhouse races. Historical displays will be on display at various locations throughout the weekend.
Ideas for the dozens of events were borrowed from other community celebrations and Hartington's centennial celebration in 1983. New ideas were dreamed up by the dozens of volunteers who have helped plan the events.
"They came through with their own ideas of things they thought would be fun," Wintz said.
The celebration officially begins at 4 p.m. Friday with opening ceremonies featuring Gov. Dave Heineman and Hartington native Russ Hochstein, a former Nebraska football star and current member of the NFL's New England Patriots.
Friday highlights include a steak fry at Felber Park and a nighttime parade.
Saturday's big events include the Rediscover Our Past Parade, which includes more than 200 entries, the outhouse races and a street dance at night.
On Sunday is the plowing bee, a car show downtown, kids parade and fireworks display.
The celebration wraps up Monday with a Memorial Day service and appreciation barbecue.
Wintz said the Q125 celebration has given volunteers a chance to reflect on the changes in Hartington since the centennial. A majority of downtown buildings remain occupied, Wintz said, and the town has made numerous improvements to its infrastructure and recreational facilities, including construction of the Hartington Community Complex.
"The economic development committee has worked very hard promoting our community," Wintz said. "We've held onto small-town life, but have been able to make a lot of improvements."
Nick Hytrek can be reached at 712-293-4226 or nickhytrek@siouxcityjournal.com.
If you go
Hartington's Q125 celebration begins Friday and lasts through Monday. To view a list of events and activities, visit www.HartingtonQ125.com.
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