| 06/05/2006 |
| Pioneer Spirit |
| By AMY SCHWEITZER , Hub Regional Editor |
KEARNEY — Through the wind, the heat and sprinkles of rain, almost 2,000 to 3,000 people played games, pulled handcarts and listened to stories as they honored the 150th Anniversary of the Handcart Pioneers Friday and Saturday.
A record number of people went to Trails and Rails Museum Saturday. Executive Director Jennifer Murrish said the museum saw about 1,000 people for its Wagon’s West celebration, double the 500 people that came last year to the first fiddle contest at the museum. About 2,000 people were at the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, including more than 700 who toured the monument, according to Julie Bray, marketing director at the archway.
More than 100 people pulled about 20 handcarts from the archway about five miles to Trails and Rails. Leading the way was one of three original handcarts from 150 years ago, when thousands of settlers followed the Mormon Trail to Utah. There was singing and fiddle music along the way for the walkers. “There was no complaints heard,” said Laurie Blanchard of Holdrege, who walked with her family. Many who took the trek said it actually was too short. “Now, let’s go on the one mile,” said Stephanie Murray from Merna to the adults with her. Amy Sillivan from Arcadia said the handcarts were not heavy to push, even with children riding in them. “It’s was very easy, especially compared to what (the pioneers) did,” she said. “It was good to honor the pioneers who came through. It makes us appreciate our time a little more and not take so much for granted.” Her friend, Shelly Hokanson of Westerville, agreed. “We have it so easy. We slept on the ground in tents last night, yet we had baby wipes to clean up our kids and clean clothes to put on.” She said the entire weekend was fun. “You can feel the spirit of the pioneers,” Hokanson said. Some of those who came for the handcarts and fiddle contest made a full vacation of it. Ron and Kathy Hill of Lincoln came for the celebrations but said they came early to be able to drive around and get to know Kearney. Ron Hill said he was impressed with history in the area. “I’m sorry more people don’t take the time to explore these places,” he said of the museum and Fort Kearny where they were camping. However, the Hills echoed sentiments of several at the festivals. With events going on in several locations, “It makes it hard to choose where to be,” he said with a smile. About 400 people got special candlelight tours of the living history re-enactment camp and through the archway. Small groups acted out portrayals of pioneers scenes, from deciding on what couldn’t go in the handcarts to burying a child on the trail and soldiers playing cards at Fort Kearny. Several who had experienced the archway before said they were impressed with this tour as well. “This was completely different,” said Illene Drake of Axtell, who said they came to Kearney because the celebration sounded interesting. “This is a neat part of history and we wanted to be a part of it,” she said. e-mail to: amy.schweitzer@kearneyhub.com
| |||||||
