Patti Jo Peterson
Managing editor

Weeping Water is the Rock of Gibraltar for celebrations June 27 as the city sponsors its annual Limestone/Independence Day Celebration.

A fishing contest at the City Lakes starts the day off at 7:30 a.m. “We have about 125 kids participate each year. We gain 20-25 each year. Of course, the kids come with their parents and family members, so there are usually several thousand people who stay for the rest of the celebration,” said Jackie Davis, Limestone Day coordinator with her husband, Art Davis.

Jackie added that donations for the fishing contest come from all over the world. “We got a package from Hong Kong just yesterday. People have just been wonderful about donating for it,” she said.

The volleyball tourney begins at 9 a.m. and registration for the parade is at 8:30 a.m. in the school parking lot.

Sign up at 9 a.m. at the Community Building for tours of Weeping Water’s limestone mines. Tours fill up fast so be sure to sign up.

At the Heritage House Museum, there will be special rope-making and basket-weaving demonstrations throughout the morning.

Elmer Vogt is organizing the horseshoe-pitching tournament, which also starts at 9 a.m. “The new horseshoe pitching pits by the walking trail were just completed,” Jackie said.

Be sure to catch sight of the Photo Contest entries on display at the Legion Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It’s batter up at the softball tournament that begins at 9 a.m. at the ball field. “The softball tournament is sponsored by Hoppe’s Tavern. The tavern has a business team and all the different town teams compete,” Jackie said.

Justin Mason is in charge of the tournament.

Don’t miss the opening ceremonies on Main Street with the National Anthem performed by Rachelle Hanson.

The Children’s Parade and Celebration Parade begin at 10 a.m. This year’s Grand Marshal  is Irene Michelsen.

The Children’s Parade and Celebration Parade begin at 10 a.m. This year’s Grand Marshal  is Irene Michelsen.

Renee Sheehan is coordinating the parade, Jackie said. “Renee has received several calls. We’re hoping to have at least 75 to 100 entries. Someone called Renee and asked her how much it cost to be in the parade. Renee said, ‘There’s no fee. You just have to show up.’”

So far Sesostris Shriners have committed to be in the parade, as well as members of the Arbor Shriners from Nebraska City. “We have several local fire departments and the city of Weeping Water has several entries,” Jackie said.

Rosenbach Warrior Training Branches martial arts students will also provide demonstrations and be in the parade.

From the school, the high school cheerleaders, dance team and band will perform in the parade. “The kiddie parade starts right before it. Participants are on a first-come, first-served basis,” she said.

The parades start their route from the school parking lot and travel past Expresslanes and onto Eldora Avenue before marching back to the school.

“We have about every organization in town participating,” Jackie said.

Following the parade, the fishing contest awards will be presented in the downtown gazebo.

Just when you think there can’t be more, a bicycle/tricycle race starts at noon on Main Street.

“We have eight bikes we are giving away this year. All the bikes have been donated and each will have a placard placed on it as to who donated it,” Jackie said.

The bicycle/tricycle race is followed by the duck races at the Green Bridge at 1 p.m.

“The plastic duck races are sponsored as a fund-raiser by the Congregational Church youth group,” Jackie said. “You buy a duck and it’s released at the Weeping Water Creek Bridge. The duck that gets to the second bridge first wins. The winner and the youth group then split the pot.”

Watch or participate in the canoe races at the City Lakes at 1:30 p.m. No registration is required to compete.

“Just show up at 12:30 p.m. and sign a waiver. Three canoes are going at the same time with two-person teams,” Jackie explained. “There is an adult division and children’s division for youth 12 and younger.”

All the children’s participants receive freeze pops as prizes. The fastest team wins the top prize of $50 with $40 going to second place and $30 for third place.

Afterwards cool off from a hot day of activities by watching the fire department conduct water fights at 3 p.m.

With “water” an integral part of the celebration, children will want to dive into the city swimming pool for the Money Plunge at 3:30 p.m.

Children compete in one of four divisions for the Money Plunge. Age grounds are zero to 5, in the baby pool and 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14, all in the main pool. “We throw $25 into the pool,” she said. “It’s nickels, dimes and quarters with one dollar coin for each age group. The kids go in and search for the money.”

As part of Limestone Day, swimming is free from 1-4 p.m. June 27. “We wanted to promote interest in the city pool,” Jackie explained. “We just want to promote the pool and get more people in it.”

This is the second year Money Plunge has been offered. “Everybody liked it so much, we decided to do it again this year,” she said.

Fuel up for the evening at the Chamber of Commerce’s Barbecue at 5 p.m.

Lincoln Parachute Sports Club will also kick off opening evening ceremonies at the ball field, also at 5 p.m.

Children can keep working off their energy by partaking in preschool games.

“Rainbow Trout will also be doing face painting from 5-8 p.m.,” Jackie said.

 Rock Olympics start at 5:30 p.m. “It’s been part of Limestone Days Celebration before my husband and I joined in 1997,” Jackie said. “There is a men and women’s division. They chuck limestone and other feats. We have medallions for the people who place that are gold, silver and bronze just like the Olympics. There are also plaques for the overall male and female winners.”

See who the next Miss Weeping Water will be by attending the coronation at 5:30 p.m.

Martial Arts Demonstrations begin at 6 p.m. and everybody’s favorite, Donkey Polo, starts at 7 p.m.

Light up the night by watching the firework show following Donkey Polo.

“Donkey Polo is very popular, not only for spectators, but for participants as well,” Jackie said. The last team standing is the winner, she said. First-place winners receive $100, second-place winners receive $50.

Following Donkey Polo, it’s time to kick up your heels at the street dance to the live music of Bill and Jerry .