QUACK OFF CANCELLED

 We are sorry to have to do this, but due to unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control, the Avoca Fire Department has been forced to cancel the 2021 41st Annual QUACKOFF on Sept 25th. We appreciate all the support and interest everyone has shown. Trust me when I say this, we don't like this anymore than you.

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Weeping Water Fall Festival Returns September 25th

WEEPING WATER, Ne — September 14, 2021 — The scarecrows will be lining Eldora Avenue ready for some fall fun and mysteries in Weeping Water on Saturday, September 25th. Headlining the events is the Show N Shine car show from 11 am to 4 pm on Eldora Avenue and the craft & vendor show at Gibson Hall from 9 am to 4 pm. While you’re at Gibson Hall, grab clues for adult and youth scavenger hunts and vote for your favorite scarecrow. The Vault Boutique at 208 W Eldora will be open and celebrating with giveaways, drinks, and deals.

The historical society has a day of family-friendly events planned. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to the Heritage House at 300 H Street and catch Humanities Nebraska speaker David Seay as he presents Nebraska Territory Stories. In this upbeat presentation, David performs folk music that existed at the time Nebraska became a state on March 1, 1867. Between tunes, he discusses how these songs provide glimpses into history by telling stories of the everyday life of pioneers during the 13 years before Nebraska statehood. Snacks will be available from Will Cover’s chuckwagon and the museums will be open for tours following the presentation. At Memory Lane Museum, stop in for ice cream and pick up a clue book for the Oakwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt.

Take a hike and check out the new Heritage Trail Walk. The self-guided 3.2-mile trek takes you to 14 points of historical interest through town. Learn about the brave settler who built the first cabin in the yet-to-be platted town. Walk past the grand home of drug store proprietor and state legislator Stephen Orton. See the site of the former CCC and German POW Camp. Stroll through the beautiful Oakwood Cemetery and learn about its rich history. Maps are available at the gazebo on Eldora Avenue, Heritage House Museum Complex, and the campground.

Food options for the day include Drue’s Kitchen, Dairy Sweet, Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, Express Lane, and Stop N Shop.

To get registered for the non-judged car show contact Jerry at 402-297-8078.

For information regarding the craft & vendor fair contact Brooke at 402-297-6872.

Event Highlights:

Show N Shine Car Show - Eldora Avenue 11 am to 4 pm
Craft & Vendor Show - Gibson Hall 9 am to 4 pm
Youth & Adult Scavenger Hunts
Oakwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt
Scarecrow Contest
Nebraska Territory Stories presentation by Humanities Nebraska speaker David Seay - Sept. 25 at 11:00 am at Heritage House, 300 W H Street, Weeping Water
Ice Cream Social - Sept. 25 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Memory Lane Museum, 215 W Eldora Avenue
Heritage Trail Walk
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Weeping Water Valley Historical Society

Hosts Day of Free, Family-Friendly Events During Fall Festival

 WEEPING WATER, Ne — September 13, 2021 — Join the Weeping Water Valley Historical Society on September 25th for a day of free, family-friendly events. The day kicks off the Cemetery Scavenger Hunt at the historic Oakwood Cemetery. Entrants can pick up official clue books at area locations then visit the cemetery and find the answers to the mysteries while learning intriguing history about some of Weeping Water’s early residents. Enter as an individual, team, or family. Those who complete the hunt and return their entries by October 12th will be put into prize drawings. Oakwood Cemetery is one of the stops on the new Heritage Trail Walk, a 3.2-mile self-guided tour featuring 14 sites highlighting the history of Weeping Water.

 At 11:00 am, bring lawn chairs or blankets and join us at the Heritage House Museum Complex at 300 West H Street where Humanities Nebraska speaker David Seay will present Nebraska Territory Stories. In this upbeat presentation, David performs folk music that existed at the time Nebraska became a state on March 1, 1867. Between tunes, he discusses how these songs provide glimpses into history by telling stories of the everyday life of pioneers during the 13 years before Nebraska statehood. Combining his passions for music, history, and storytelling, David has presented HN Speakers Bureau programs since 1997. He is a master artist with the Nebraska Arts Council’s Artist-in-the-Schools Communities Residency Program and performs with his wife, Deborah Greenblatt, in the popular musical duo Greenblatt & Seay, which has participated in the Nebraska Arts Council’s Touring Program for more than 30 years. David plays over a dozen instruments, teaches private music lessons, and conducts workshops in harmonica. There will be snacks available from Will Cover’s historic chuckwagon and the Heritage House and Dr. Fate’s office will be open for tours following the presentation. Humanities Nebraska (HN) provides major funding for this program. HN receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Nebraska State Legislature, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and private donations.

Take a nostalgic stroll through the historic main street at Memory Lane Museum, 215 W Eldora, where the historical society is hosting an ice cream social from 10:00 am t0 2:00 pm. Memory Lane features displays and memorabilia cataloging the business interests of Weeping Water from the time the town was established. A diorama of the downtown businesses, built by the UNL School of Architecture includes pull-out drawers showing the occupants through the years. The Wilkinson Confectionery soda fountain was moved from next door, and a restored counter from Gibson Grocery is featured in the General Store display. You'll also find cemetery records, Weeping Water advertising collectibles, postcards, old yearbooks, and town records at Memory Lane.

The Scavenger Hunt Clue Book will be available starting September 25th in Weeping Water at Memory Lane Museum, Drue’s Kitchen, Express Lane, Stop N Shop, State Farm Insurance, and at Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm near Avoca.

Nebraska Territory Stories is one of approximately 300 programs offered through the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau. The more than 165 available speakers include acclaimed scholars, writers, musicians, storytellers, and folklorists on topics ranging from pioneer heritage to ethics and law to international and multicultural issues, making it the largest humanities speakers bureau in the nation. For information detailing the available speakers and guidelines for booking them, contact Humanities Nebraska at 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 330, Lincoln, NE 68508, or visit www.humanitiesnebraska.org.

Founded in 1969, the Weeping Water Valley Historical Society (WWVHS) recently celebrated 50 years of preserving the history of the Weeping Water Valley. WWVHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and depends upon memberships, contributions from our community, and the dedication of volunteers.

Event Highlights:

Oakwood Cemetery Scavenger Hunt - Sept. 25 through Oct. 9

Nebraska Territory Stories presentation by Humanities Nebraska speaker David Seay - Sept. 25 at 11:00 am at Heritage House, 300 W H Street, Weeping Water

Ice Cream Social - Sept. 25 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Memory Lane Museum, 215 W Eldora Avenue

For more information visit www.weepingwaterhistory.org