101 things to love about North Platte

Cottonwood Tree

"I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way
they have to live than other things do." Willa Cather

1. Hoggy Doggy River Jump for the Lincoln Connection

2. GOODWILL: where you can get a wardrobe for less than $100

3. Fresh cut flowers available year around to brighten someone's day

4. Habitat for Humanity: helping others have homes

5. Going to local stores or the movies and seeing all the people you know by name

6. Bruce Richman as Buffalo Bill during Christmas at the Cody's and parades

7. The spirit of the World War II Canteen lives on today

8. Traci Robinson to help you connect with the Universe through Yoga

9. Old fashioned (scissors' cut) haircuts for $10 or less

10. Adams Bank and Trust Healthy North Platte Health Fair each Fall

11. An old newspaper editor who still contributes in many ways

12. Two newpapers that allow people to read none, one or both

13. Golden Spike, Bailey Yards and the real people who work there

14. Callahan Cancer Center and its caregivers

15. Wading in the Platte rivers in the early evening

16. Tubing the North Platte river from Cody Park to the airport bridge

17. National Weather Service at Lee Bird Field who watch over us

18. Dodge Hill for sledding after a big snowfall

19. Watching and hearing geese, eagles, pelicans, turkeys, and Sandhill cranes

20. Jets and their contrails as they veer onto and off of the " golf ball" South of town

21. Coyotes yipping and howling at dusk along the South Platte river

22. Cody Park cotton candy and ice cream: the best in town for less than a buck

23. North Platte Community Playhouse at the Neville Center

24. Miss Nebraska Scholarship Pageant and contestants' yard signs around town

25. Beautiful sunsets viewed from the South Platte river or Buffalo Bill viaduct

26. A Mayor who once walked "NAKED" for donations for the humane shelter

27. Political controversy. If things are quiet, wait a few minutes.

28. Friends and neighbors who know you need a hand and give it before you ask.

29. Spectacular sunrises at the airport or Lake Maloney

30. You can get anywhere in North Platte in 10 minutes

31. Swimming at "Fire Lake"

32. Lake Maloney sailing

33. 20th Century Veterans Memorial instead of the Archway Monument

34. Watching Fourth of July fireworks

35. The stained glass in the chapel by Jeff Brittan, M.D. at Great Plains Regional Medical Center

36. Plenty of coffee shops and donuts to get you perky in the morning

37. People who write Letters to the Editor

38. Entrepreneurs who will cut your grass or shovel your snow for a fee

39. Robins, instead of robbers, in your backyard in Spring

40. The grand old houses of West 5th Street that recall a bygone era

41. United Way, Salvation Army and the Goodfellow Shoe Fund

42. Summer band concerts and CHANCE throughout the year

43. NebraskaLand Days and its annual fundraiser

44. Buffalo Bill Rodeo

45. Healthcare providers who really care

46. North Platte Children's Museum and Lincoln County Historical Museum

47. Asparagus and edible mushrooms in Spring along the Platte river

48. The crisp way the air feels when a Norther is blowing through

49. Centennial Park "Rose" Garden reminding us of a lady with dignity, grace and style

50. Centennial Park Gazebo

51. Cottonwood trees and the rustling of their leaves when the wind blows

52. Gossip at the local coffee shops, hair salons, bars and barbers

53. Foster parents who provide safe havens for children in need

54. San Pedro Mexican restaurant on Jeffers where you can practice Spanish with the personnel!

55. Riding the Cody Park rides on a hot summer day

56. Girl Scout cookies and Boy Scouts popcorn

57. Ball games and sports events

58. A community that strives to embrace diversity without prejudice

59. A regional medical center instead of two competing hospitals

60. Pharmacies that are open on Sundays when you need a Rx filled

61. Walking or jogging and throwing milk bones to barking neighborhood dogs

62. Bankers who loan you money with only one-half your children as collateral

63. Cody Park pool and the kids who use the bathroom rather than the pool

64. Community churches that are still the heart of Nebraskans' lives

65. Summer block parties and lemonade stands

66. People who were born here and never left

67. People who were born here, moved away, then moved back

68. Powerball outlets when you are feeling lucky

69. Governors' Western and Wildlife Art Show

70. Miss Nebraska Rodeo Queen Pageant

71. Annual Carousel Tour of Homes

72. Leaving your keys in your car and finding your car is still there when you return

73. North Platte bike and walking trails

74. Lincoln County Fair

75. Realistic and surrealistic artists who also "work for hire"

76. Arts in the Park and Creativity Unlimited Arts Council

77. Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours..thanks Carol and Kathy!!

78. Cody Park Easter Egg hunt

79. Sioux Lookout statue downtown

80. Dog leash laws that are mostly enforced

81. Computer geeks who will come to your home and get you onto the Net

82. Town Hall Lecture series

83. Weather forecasters who "get it right" about half the time (heads or tails)

84. Short lines while voting or clearing security at North Platte airport

85. Tourists from all over the World who visit but do not move here

86. Rocky Mountain Oysters and the comments that accompany them

87. Nebraska beef

88. Root beer in a frosty mug

89. Our senior citizens: crusty, cranky, wise, tough and occasionally exasperating

90. State and national politicians you can actually meet, greet and know

91. North Platte Recreation Center

92. James O'Rourke Memorial Triathlon

93. Plenty of sunshine during the Winter to chase S.A.D. away

94. Summer stock car and soap box derby races

95. American Red Cross Blood Center with the locally drawn red stuff if you need it

96. Watching a full moon and planets rise over the North Platte river at Cody Park

97. Radio stations: public, country, religious, rockin' roll; BSMS with Tony Lama

98. KNOP: locally born and raised TV broadcasters who love their work and it shows

99. North Platte Farmers' Market: go early before the best sells out

100. Four way stops instead of traffic lights around town

101. Optimism and hope for better and brighter tomorrows

© Copyright, 2006-2008. Byron L. Barksdale All rights reserved.