My Side of the Fencepost
July 21, 2009
Fair was more than just fun
By Jim Dickerson
Last year at about this same time, I complimented the Boone County Fair Board on using its collective imagination to stage a fair with great variety that appealed to a large number of Boone County area residents.
This year, I’m doing it again.
It seems the fair board is on a roll with featured events like school bus races, two-car chain races, WDRL racing, combine demolition derbies, ATV motocross races, miniature late model racing and a quality carnival midway.
I attended most of those events and attractions. I enjoyed them all. It was an outstanding county fair.
Some of the other events, though, might not get the attention they really deserve. Those included the Grill Off (great food and a lot of fun), the Little River Band concert, the Native American programs last Monday afternoon, historical programs last Wednesday, 4-H competitions and heritage displays.
These events were part of a great overall program that included opportunities for education along with the fun.
I know very few people have time to experience every single aspect of the fair over a busy five-day run, but the afternoon and early evening events this year were well worth attending. Those who missed them this year (including me) would be well advised to put them on their schedules for next year.
In looking back at Boone County’s fair this year, it should be noted that there were times it was in direct competition with fairs in larger area counties — including both Madison and Platte Counties. Still, the Boone County Fair managed to attract sizable and enthusiastic crowds for most events. That is due both to the loyalty of area residents and the innovative approach to fair entertainment exhibited by the fair board.
The cooperation shown and ultimate success of the county fair each year is an obvious source of pride for Boone County — as well it should be.
Two old buildings bite the dust in downtown improvement
July 21, 2009
One of the two old buildings removed on Main Street last week.
The buildings haven’t been used for many years and had fell into disrepair.
More Photos and details in this week’s Petersburg Press Print Edition.
Petersburg Press Photos by Helen Baumgartner
‘Moving Wall’ to be in Tilden
July 21, 2009
Residents of Northeast Nebraska will have a unique opportunity to see “The Moving Wall,” a half size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, when it comes to Tilden Thursday through Monday, July 23-27.
The Wall will be on display at Horseshoe Park in Tilden, NE, during the Tilden community’s annual Prairie Days celebration.
The display will be sponsored by American Legion Post #170 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7603 of Tilden.
Albion American Legion and VFW members will be there to guard the wall from 6 p.m. Friday, July 24, to 6 a.m. Saturday, July 25. They will also be attending the public program Saturday at 10 a.m.
Beaver Valley Days set at St. Edward
July 21, 2009
St. Edward is planning its annual Beaver Valley Days celebration on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 and 2.
Saturday events will include sand volleyball and co-ed softball tournaments, kids olympics, art show, kids’ tractor pull, a swim meet, car show, cow drop, road rally and street dance.
Sunday will begin with a pancake feed and art show, followed by continuation of the co-ed softball tournament, water fights, blindfolded golf cart races, bingo and horseshoe pitching. The “Duck Derby” is set for 2 p.m., followed by the grand parade at 4 p.m., a barbecue and a lip sync/talent show.
Beaver Valley Days is sponsored by the St. Edward Community Club, St. Edward Development Co., local businesses and volunteers.
Street work causing some detours in Albion
July 21, 2009
Workers pour concrete on Marengo Street in Albion Tuesday morning.
As of Monday, Castle Construction Co. was working at four separate locations on replacement of concrete streets.
The largest section in progress early this week was Marengo Street, where two blocks of concrete paving are being replaced. The last block from Third to Fourth Street was being poured on Tuesday, July 21.
Marengo Street is expected to be open for traffic by midweek next week. Read more
Entertainment events key growth in fair attendance
July 21, 2009
Quality entertainment, much of it featuring Boone County and area participants, was a key to the success of the Q125 County Fair held July 11-16.
The biggest crowds of the fair were on hand for the two-car chain races and combine demolition derby on Tuesday night, July 14, and the school bus races and ATV motocross races on Wednesday night, July 15.
A full grandstand crowd estimated at 2,900 to 3,000 people attended Tuesday night, while the Wednesday night crowd was estimated at 2,400 to 2,500.
“These events use the resources and population base we have available,” said Chuck Rolf, fair board chairman. “People seem to really enjoy the novel entertainment.” Read more
Groundbreaking marks another milestone for BCHC
July 21, 2009
Hospital CEO Vic Lee shows illustrations of the planned new patient rooms.
County Commissioner Tom Schuele said the $5.77 million Phase III addition reflects the vision of its patrons, administration, the hospital board and staff. He commended the hospital board for taking steps to continually improve medical care for the area.
The best part, said Schuele, is that no tax dollars will be used for the project. It will be entirely paid for from hospital revenues. Read more
July 15, 2009
Louise E. Pieper Freeburg
Louise E. Freeburg, 94 of Elkhorn, NE, formerly of Petersburg, NE, died Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at her home in Elkhorn. Funeral services were conducted Monday, June 29, 2009 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Albion, NE with Fr. Stan Schmit officiating. Burial was at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Petersburg
Donald L. Fitzsimmons
Donald L. Fitzsimmons, 75 of Lincoln, NE, died at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, in Lincoln on July 6, 2009. Funeral services were conducted at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, Nebraska on Thursday, July 9, 2009 with Rev. K.F. Kaleuati officiating with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.levanderfuneralhome.com.
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