Weekend of Celebrations

Labor Day is historically a time to recognize and celebrate the worker, and labor unions. In 1882, Matthew Maguire encouraged all 56 unions in his area to make a “public show of support,” about 12 years before President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day an official holiday.

The parade culminated with a festival including a dance pavilion, beer garden, playgrounds and picnic areas.

In some ways, community hasn't changed more in the 100-plus years.

Two Cheyenne County communities are having community events aligned with Labor Day.

Lodgepole is having its 96th Old Settlers Reunion Sept. 4-6.

The weekend starts Friday with the annual Glow Fun Run; registration is at 6:30 p.m. and the run is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

Saturday kicks off with the Old Settlers' Golf tourney at the Chappell Golf Course. Tee Time is 9 a.m.; four-person scramble at $250 per team and an 18-team limit. Contact Bill Taylor (308-250-0530) or Justin Misegadis (308-249-5969) to register.

The Platte Valley Tractor Pull, a sanctioned truck and tractor pull, starts at 10 a.m. on Front Street near South Park; registration and weigh-in starts at 8 a.m. The museum opens at 11 a.m. And will be serving hot dogs for donations. Flower show entries will also be accepted. A car and motorcycle show will be held on McBride Street north of Highway 30. Entry fee is $10. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m.

The Old Settlers' Reunion Banquet will be held at 6 pm. with a silent auction and program, at the Community Hall.

Sunday starts with church services at 9 a.m. at the south park by the Methodist church. Sand volleyball starts at 10 a.m. At Kasten's Ball Field; $40 per team (maximum of two males per team). Sunday activities continue with the Museum open 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Flower Show and prizes awarded. The Lodgepole Volunteer Fire Department street dance and beer garden will be held 7:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lodgepole Community Hall.

Monday the excitement continues as the parade line-up starts at 9 a.m. For the 10 a.m. “Go Big Blue” themed parade. A free will donation BBQ lunch will be available starting at 11 a.m. at South Park. Gloria Dei Lutheran Women's Fellowship will be selling homemade pie. The museum opens at 11 am. also. Kids games in South Park start at p.m. Horseshoe pitching starts at 1 p.m. Also at 1 p.m. The Country Store drawings and local entertainment will take place. Free watermelon will be available at 2 p.m.

Potter Days start Thursday with Queen Crowning

Potter will be crowning its Potter Days queen on Thursday, Sept. 2. The coronation will take place in Railroad Park at 7 p.m.

The majority of the excitement will take place Saturday Sept. 4, starting office with the 5K Color Run starting at 8 a.m. (registration is at Railroad Park Gazebo starting at 7 a.m.). The parade starts at 9 a.m., followed by a craft show on the bank lawn, co-ed sand volleyball, inflatable games for the children, open bowling, food trucks, Tin Roof Sundae eating contest, Ranch Bronc Riding, Mario Kart tournament, Duck Race, free watermelon feed, cornhole tournament, live music, school tour, free drawing at 5 p.m., team roping at the Good Times Rodeo Arena at 6:30 p.m., free popcorn bar at Railroad Park at 8 p.m. and Fireworks on Front Street at dusk (about 8:30 p.m.).

Sunday events include the PNCC Off-Road Racing event at 3272 Road 83, Potter from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The golf tournament at Prairie Pines Golf Course starts at 10 a.m. And Braydon Zink will be on stage for the Party in the Pasture at 3272 County Road 83 at 6:30 p.m.