Heritage Days 2025 Brings Four Days of Fun to McCook

September 17, 2025

McCOOK, Neb. — The countdown is over. Heritage Days 2025 kicks off this week, bringing four days of community celebration, food, music, and tradition to McCook.

Organizers say the festival will once again fill Norris Park, downtown streets, and Norris Alley with activities for all ages. The official schedule runs Wednesday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Sept. 20, highlighted by the annual parade, family-friendly contests, live music, and the always-popular Oktoberfest.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

The celebration begins Wednesday evening with the Chamber of Commerce/MNB Bank Mixer at 5:30 p.m. at MNB Bank. The event includes the announcement of Heritage Days royalty, the honored family, parade marshal, and grand marshal.

Thursday, Sept. 18

Thursday features the monthly Third Thursday downtown gathering, expanded for Heritage Days. From 5:30–8 p.m., Norris Alley will host a free pasta dinner, chalk art, games, and sodas. Polka dance lessons begin at 6:30 p.m.

Other events Thursday include extended hours at the Museum of the High Plains, the 6th Floor Project/ArtBank open house, children’s and traditional Lakota storytelling at the ArtBank, and a farmer’s market on East 1st Street.

Friday, Sept. 19

Friday starts with the Norris Prayer Breakfast at 7 a.m. and continues with cultural programs at the Museum of the High Plains and the ArtBank.

At 4 p.m., McCook Community College will host homecoming festivities outside the Graff Event Center, featuring inflatables, kids’ games, food trucks, and live music. The evening wraps up with free admission to the MCC volleyball game at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Saturday is packed with events from sunrise to evening:

• 7:30 a.m. – 5K Fun Run hosted by Anytime Fitness (registration at 7 a.m., City Pool)

• 10:00 a.m. – Heritage Days Parade in downtown McCook

• After the Parade – A new Ping Pong Ball Drop at the Norris flagpole, with more than 500 balls dropped by the fire department. Kids can redeem numbered balls for prizes from over 30 local businesses.

• 11:45 a.m. – Ribbon cutting at the bandshell

• Noon–2:00 p.m. – Live music from On the Fritz with guest Greg Premier

• 2:00 p.m. – Wiener Dog Races (bleacher seating provided)

• Following Races – Rotary Obstacle Run at the same location

• 3:00 p.m. – Basketball Free Throw Contest on H Street (benefitting the Southwest Nebraska Family Resource Center)

• 4:00 p.m. – Cute Baby Contest at the bandshell, hosted by Kinship Pointe

• 5:00–8:00 p.m. – Oktoberfest in Norris Alley, featuring German food from The Coppermill, a beer garden by Heritage Hills Golf Course, and live polka music from Ken and His Polka Band. Admission is free; food and drink available for purchase.

Vendors, Food & Attractions

This year’s vendor list includes a mix of local organizations, craft booths, and food trucks. Visitors will find Thai food, Island noodles, barbecue, tacos, pizza, lemonade, popcorn, cotton candy, and more, alongside local fundraisers and traditional festival favorites.

Free inflatables — made possible by support from Wagner Auto Group — will line East 1st Street, along with a jousting arena, a smaller bounce house for young children, and a larger inflatable for older kids. Tractor displays, train rides starting at the Norris Home, and the MCC CDL simulator add to the attractions.

Tech & Tradition Together

A new feature this year is the fully interactive Explore McCook app, where festival-goers can view the parade route, vendor map, restroom locations, and daily schedule. The app also allows people to vote for the People’s Choice Parade Float Award.

A Community Effort

Heritage Days is supported by dozens of sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors MNB Bank, Wagner Auto Group, and Valmont. Organizers say the community support makes it possible to keep the event free for all.

With sunny skies and mild temperatures forecast for the weekend, Heritage Days 2025 promises to be a celebration of McCook’s history, culture, and community spirit.

For full details, vendor information, and maps, visit mccookchamber.org or download the Explore McCook app.