10 Tips to an Enjoyable Community Days

With so many events happening this weekend during Henderson’s Community Days, there are several tips that you should know to make this weekend more enjoyable for you and your family.

1. Pre-register for events to save time and frustration.  It is easier for event coordinators and your own scheduling if you register for the events you are interested in before this weekend.  Events  needing registration include the Main Street Parade, Dodge Ball Tournament, HHCS Jr. Auxiliary Jaunt, Show & Shine Car Show, Alumni Banquet and Golf Tournament.  It will be possible to participate in these events even if you just show up the day of the event, but it will be easier for everyone if you register ahead of time.  For registration forms, visit www.HendersonNE.com or stop by the Chamber Office at City Hall.
2. Check the events schedule this week to see what events are happening throughout the weekend, such as the Scavenger Hunt, Alumni Basketball Tournament and Putt-Putt Golf Course.  Some of these events are time sensitive so plan ahead so you don’t miss out. Print the Community Days brochure on HeartlandBeat.com and take it with you during the entire weekend.  This way you will not miss any events and you will always know what is happening next.
3. Don’t stress out if you miss an event or if and event runs different than the listed time.  All events are subject to changes and mistakes do occur when planning 30 activities with over 50 volunteers.  For example the wrong time for the Church Service was printed last week.  As stated in the brochure the Church Service will begin at 10 am.  We try to print correct times but last minutes changes and mistakes do occur.
4. In order to ensure your comfort and avoid standing for long periods of time, bring a lawn chair to events that last an hour or more.  Longer events include the Main Street Parade, Dodge Ball Tournament, Heartland Hoedowners performance, Fireworks Show and the Community Church Service.
5. Be sure to wear bug spray and sunscreen during the weekend and prevent bug bites and sunburns.
6. Don’t plan to eat at home this weekend.  From the Chamber BBQ to the snack stand Friday evening you won’t go hungry the first day.  On Saturday morning head to Heritage Park for the Pancake Feed.  Following the Main Street Parade visit either park for lunch options.  In the Lakeview Park you will find meals with hot dogs and Sloppy Joe sandwiches, In the Downtown Park we will have three different to choose from.  There will be a Watermelon and Rull Kuchen stand run by the HHCS Jr Auxiliary, a stand serving Verenika and a Zwieback by Mary Ellen’s Catering, and stand with deli sandwiches served by the Heartland Hoedowners.  Saturday evening enjoy the Henderson/Heartland Alumni Banquet with your pre purchased ticket or head out to the Sports Complex and eat at the Concession Stand during the Homerun Derby.  The weekend will conclude with the Q125 Hamburger Fry at 11 am in the Downtown Park following the church service.
7. Find the perfect spot to watch the fireworks Friday evening.  With such a large show taking place at the south end of Lake View Park everyone will need to stay at least 600 feet away from the area where the fireworks will be lit. A perfect spot to sit is near the Swimming Pool and Tennis Courts, along the north and east sides of the lake and in the ball field parking lots.
8. Sign a waiver for your child if they plan on playing on the inflatables in the park on Saturday. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver for children under 18 to participate.  Once the waiver is signed the individual will be given a wristband allowing them to enter the inflatables.  This is free, but necessary in order to participate.
9. If you are planning to participate in the Siphon Tube contest you may want to bring irrigation boots or shoes that can get muddy.
10. Have Fun! With so many activities happening on July 13, 14 & 15 there will be plenty of fun things happening throughout the weekend.

Kelsey Bergen