32nd Vestey Parade highlights Superior's annual celebration

The Lady Vestey Festival parade crowd gathered early for the 10:30 a.m. start Saturday morning in Superior. A gentle breeze, nearly cloudless sky, visiting and watching the children anticipate the event was worth the wait.

After the event, an out of town guest said, "It is a wonderful parade. It is long and has lots of variety. We try to come every year."

Following is a brief description of this year's parade entries

The American Legion Color Guard presented by American Legion Post 103 and Sons of the American Legion: Steve Wilton, Lora Hutchinson, Steve Elledge, Randy Rhoads, Jason Jensen and James Sumpter lead the parade followed by Superior Cub Scout Pack and Superior Girl Scouts. They stopped and the audience rose as Tierney Casper and Beverly Beavers sang the national anthem.

Teen royalty included several rodeo queens. Among them, Miss Nuckolls County Rodeo Queen 2023 Hadley Ostdiek of Nelson. She is the daughter of Chad and Alishia Ostdiek, Hadley attends Lawrence Nelson where she will be a sophomore. She invited everyone to this year's Nuckolls County Fair and Rodeo from July 29 through August 3.

Lenden Worm, Jewell County 4-H King, drove an ATV. He is the son of Mike and Debra Worm of Webber. He invited everyone to the Jewell County Rodeo and Fair July 11-14 in Mankato.

Libby Macklin is the 2023-2024 Miss Webster County Rodeo Queen and Megan Mackin is the 2023-2024 Miss Webster County Rodeo Princess. Libby and Megan are the daughters of Joel and Sara Macklin of Blue Hill. They invited everyone to attend the Webster County Fair and Rodeo in Bladen on July 25 through the 27.

Bayleigh Bohlen and Breckyn Bohlen followed on horses. They ride frequently as they help family members move cattle and check pastures. They compete in 4-H riding events and other horse events. They are the grandchildren of Dennis and Stacey Schroyer, rural Superior.

One of the few walking entries was provided by The Knights of Columbus, a worldwide Catholic volunteer charitable group which provides help to widows, orphans and mentally handicapped citizens. The Superior-Nelson Chapter 7714 has more then 60 members.

Candy Cane Lane volunteers were recognized as "Volunteers of the Year." Candy Cane Lane 2024 will be the 25th annual celebration of Christmas.

Some of the current board members have volunteered 20 to 25 years as a labor of love for Superior. They start getting Lincoln Park ready the first of November and plan to open the lighted Christmas display the Friday after Thanksgiving. In addition to the lighted display, chili, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, hot dogs are served around the open fire at the Scout cabin. Horse drawn hayrides start at the cabin.

This year a couple board members have resigned because of health issues. The youngest member is in his 70s and the oldest is in their 80s, so the board is looking for new members. Board members help with the set up and take down of displays. They meet the first Tuesday of the month at the Superior Library at 5:30 p.m. For more information contact Bev Czirr or the Superior Chamber of Commerce office.

A semi truck decorated in festive red, white and blue transported fourth, fifth and sixth generations of the Nathan Wesley Heidrick Family - parade grand marshals. The family is celebrating 150 years of ownership of the Headrick homestead. It is located southeast of Superior in the Olive Hill Community.

Nathan Wesley 'Wes' Headrick arrived in Jewell County in the 'Grasshopper year' of 1874 at the age of 21. He selected 160 acres of high ground in Montana Township to establish his homestead. He worked as a cowboy on cattle drives to Texas on the Chisholm Trail in order to save money and start a herd of cattle used to purchase the homestead and make the necessary improvements to the land and eventually get the official patent for his homestead in 1882. The family has grown over the last 150 years. Subsequently some family members moved to other parts of the United States. On the float were descendants from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Arizona.

A CPI pickup accompanied by children walking alongside distributing candy followed the Headrick family. CPI is a farmer-owned cooperative headquartered in Hastings. It is currently located in 30 communities throughout South Central Nebraska. CPI offers a wide range of products and services in its agronomy, energy, feed and grain divisions. Their mission is to serve their customers by providing products, solutions, and services that enhance mutual success. CPI is proud to service Superior and the surrounding communities!

The Living Faith Fellowship Church van announced the church's annual vacation Bible School July 29 to 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. They also reminded everyone to follow the narrow road according to Matthew 7:13-14

Lorraine Shaw, a resident at Good Samaritan Victorian Legacy, just had her 101st birthday. She was accompanied Helen Warren in the Victorian Legacy van. As part of assisted living, Shaw likes to share her long and interesting "Reel Story" with family, friends and visitors.

Members of the Webber Wide Awake 4-H Club walked through the parade with a banner. Using the Vestey Festival 2024 theme, they stated "Country Roads Lead Us Home" is not just a theme, but a way of life. The club embodies the spirit of rural living, community connection and values of 4-H.

Caring Friends followed in car wrapped with a picture and contact information. It is a locally owned and operated company which provides compassionate care to 43 counties throughout the state and employs 200 staff members. Saturday, they were represented by some of the caregivers. They report, "We love what we do. If you do have a loved one who needs our service, please call today!"

The Kingswood Court Assisted Living bus followed with their slogan - "Above and beyond, it is what we do."

Good Samaritan Society Superior and the Victorian Legacy Assisted Living entries followed. They invited the audience to let the country roads lead to the Victorian Legacy which offers senior living at it's best.

Many of the parade entries provided both an abundance and wide variety of candy for the children along the parade route.

The Horizon Bank, Superior Branch, threw coins. They have served the Superior Community since 2001 and provide products and services to help their customers achieve their financial goals. They said, "We are in Superior to help ''build our community' and to 'build relationships' to better serve individuals and businesses. Shelly, Kayla, Samantha and Teresa would like to thank all their service members for their dedication to our country.

2024 Entrepreneurs of the Year rode through the parade in a golf cart. The husband and wife team, Steve and Angela Henderson, are both business owners. Steve is with Alexander Motors and Angela at Black & Burlap. The award is sponsored by the Superior 3000 Foundation.

The Olive Hill Church followed with a banner which read, "Come Experience the Country Difference." It also featured a picture of a country road leading to the church. The church was founded in a dugout in 1876. It is the oldest church in the greater Superior Community.

Brodstone Healthcare, the trusted, regional healthcare choice, offers a broad spectrum of medical options, accessible resources, specialty services and timely clinical care. The exhibit featured multiple units with staff members and lots of candy.

42 Wealth "Celebrating their third year in Nuckolls County. Luke Alexander and Tyler Williams of 42 Wealth bring more than 30 years of combined industry experience and work with people from their home county.

Several Superior High School alumni classes met over the weekend at various times and places to renew friendship and reminisce. Some rode through the parade.

The Superior Class of 1979 which celebrated its 45th year class reunion and the Superior Class of 1954 were among those in the parade. The SHS Class of 1954 celebrated their 70th class reunion by riding in a 1968 Camaro with five members. Originally a class of 49 members

Other classes in the parade were the SHS Class of 1954 and the SHS Class of 1974.

Tractors followed dispersed between other parade exhibits. Some were small antique tractors which had been restored until they glistened in the sunlight. They featured "modern" tools from their time. Included was a 1964 John Deere 4020 previously owned by Dale and Pat Frahm, Nelson, who were celebrating their 70th year class reunion . It is now owned by Teresa and Kris Meyer of Edgar.

A 1960 John Deere 435 tractor and plow was driven by Dick Hanson. The tractor was restored by Alfred Hanson (owner) and his brother Dick.

Alfred Hanson drove a 1955 Ford 850 Tractor. It was the first tractor purchased by Hanson to start his farming career. Alfred's great-grandson, Aldred Ference, rode in his great-grandfather arms.

1935's John Deere Model A tractor's original owner was Clyde A. Hobson of Republic County, six miles south of Hardy. Present owner is John Hobson, 4th generation, of Colorado Springs.

1951 Allis Chalmers driven by Donna Wilton and a 1957 Farmall driven by her husband, Richard Wilton followed.

Interspersed between the tractors and vehicles were several parade entries.

Home Federal Bank emphasized being a full-service community bank with a range of financial products and services. The audience was invited to stop in and see Alicia Kucera for all their financial needs.

Risen Life Fellowship Church invited people to join them in worship Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. at 558 N. Commercial. Longtime residents may still think of it as the former Baptist Church. Natalie Faust is the pastor.

A lineup of shining vintage vehicles wowed car fans. The lineup included a 1926 Model T owned by Frank and June Vculek of Webber; a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle - Ragtop Convertible owed by Gary and Kathy George, Hebron; 1929 2-door sedan owned by Gene Genung; 1951 Willys Jeep driven by co-owner Matt Madsen; 1967 Chevelle driven by Tracy Conner; 1930 Ford Model A owned by Jan Jensen. The model A was rebuilt by the late Russ McCord with Gene Genung. Kevin Knoell drove the vehicle with Jan Jensen riding along as a passenger.

The Nuckolls County Museum float had a scale replica of the Webber Wagon made by the late Paul Rathbun in 1976 and donated to the museum by his daughter, Pat Gunn. The museum invited the audience to come and see many more items like it at the museum. They opened in the afternoon with living history demonstrations and a presentation on the Great Plains Railroad.

Ryan Henderson drove a 2023 Chevy Silverado, through the parade. He was accompanied by his family. The pickup is for sale at Alexander Motors.

By the time Superior Industries exhibit came through the parade, children with sacks full of candy, still expected more candy. However, they were in for a surprise. Superior Industries makes and sells customized sprayers and they kept the audience cool with a light spray of water.

Farmers & Merchants Bank float consisted of a giant blue (the bank's color) piggy bank which could be seen for blocks. Bank employees distributed small blue piggy banks to the children along the parade route. The bank's logo is "Smart Bank, Smart You." They invited everyone to stop in to make their financial goal a success.

The Superior Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary exhibit featured a campsite with children, a teepee and a large fake campfire. Their script read, "How many of us long to slow down? Dream of a simpler life? Our country roads take us home to the peaceful serenity of a campsite! Here we can escape the stress and worry and refill our souls with nature's beauty. The Superior Volunteer Fire fighters Auxiliary has a 'simple purpose' to aid the support of our community and its fire fighters. Because no county road should take you to a home devastated by fire.

Members of the Superior Volunteer Fire Department, some accompanied by their families, drove a shiny fleet through the parade route.

The City of Superior has 29 members in the Superior Volunteer Fire Department. There are five rural trucks and three city trucks. The display was lead by a historic truck once used by the department.

In 1991, Camie Kroeger, still an active EMT, welcomed a new 1991 Ford Ambulance into service. The unit known as Mod 3 has been down many country roads and has seen many happy calls, sad calls and weird calls. This week, Mod 3 will head into retirement. It was driven by Matt Meyer, a member of the volunteer fire department and an EMT.

The 2003 Ford Ambulance (now called Mod 2) was driven by Missy Nielsen, lieutenant. This ambulance along with Mod 3 has seen it all, including the struggle when the squad got down to only five members. Mod 2 will still be in service as a standby unit to assist at fires, mutual aid calls, and calls that require two ambulances.

On May 1st, a new 2023 Ford Trauma Hawk rolled into Superior. Fourteen squad members have helped stock it and get it ready to hit the road. May 15th, after a night of training, Mod 1 officially got parked in the station, put in service and joined the department. Financing for the unit was made possible with the help of a state grant, many fund-raisers and many public donations. Carrie Lemke, Superior City Council president and EMT captain was the driver.

Pleasure Cruisers once again provided an amazing array of vehicles as well as a display of vintage vehicles in downtown Superior after the parade. Included was Troy Hayes with a1984 Chevy Camaro; Alfred Hansen's 1967 AMC Rebel SST; Marty and Arlene Tietjen's 1956 Chevy Bel Air 2 door hardtop; Paul and Linda Hutchinson -1927 Ford Model T; Matt Sullivan -1966 Chevrolet Chevelle; John H Sullivan -1937 Chevrolet Business Coupe, owned by Alfred and Janell Hanson and driven by their grandson, John Sullivan. This car has 41,000 actual miles.

Cody Firestien - 1962 Chevrolet Impala Wagon; Robert Janda -1958 Chevrolet pickup; Betty and Berwyn Petersen - 48 Oldsmobile; Tony Askmidt -1965 Fast Back Mustang; Tracy Conner -1967 Chevy Malibu; Todd Hayes - 2024 Chevrolet Corvette; Connie Hayes -2003 Chevy SSR; Calvin Hayes 1955 Chevrolet Convertible loaded with members of the Hardy High School Class of 1954; Vick and Ginger Thayer - 1932 Buick; Glenn and Joann Kirchoff - 2008 Pontiac G6 hardtop retractable convertible; Makenzie Hansen and Kiara Mikkelsen - 1977 Trans Am owned by Gale Mikkelsen

Other vehicles included Margaret Severson - 1951 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe K8US with straight 8 cylinder motor, 3 speed, windshield wiper sun visor with traffic light viewer on dash, lighted hood ornament, 91,000 original miles. Original owner John Todd of Superior, purchased new in Superior for his business, Blue Cross Serum Company.

John and Billie Todd brought their only daughter home from the hospital in Old Blue in 1953. Old Blue was Margie's first car. She married in 1977 and took her car to Nelson, after her wedding. In 1978, she moved it to her home in Wyoming where she, Dave, Grandpa John brought her only daughter home from the hospital. Grandpa was so proud of his granddaughter and that she too, could have her first car ride in Old Blue. When Margie returned to Nebraska in 2021, Old Blue came home with her.

Glenn Kirchoff, 1973 Oliver 1755 tractor. Glenn headed up the Thayer County Antique Tractor Drive and welcomes all tractor drivers to join in on Aug. 9.

By far, the largest tractor in the parade was provided by Landmark Implement, a John Deere 8RX 270. It was followed by two Gators also for sale at Landmark Implement.

Krystal Wulf drove a Ford 801 tractor with trailer. Thomas Jefferson Hudiburgh homesteaded southwest of Northbranch in 1866 and was the beginning of what is now seven generations of farmers. The Ford 801 tractor was purchased by Gail Hudiburg who farmed in the Republican River valley just south of Superior. Lorna Wilton, Gail's daughter , married a McCutcheon. She rode with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as part of the fourth through seventh generations of the Hudiburg family.

Eitzmann Trucking Inc., is owned by Mike and Sarah Kirchhoff and Sarah's mother - Jane Headrick. They haul grain, feed, fertilizer and rock to customers throughout the area. Mike drove the truck which pulled the Superior High School Class of 1968 through the parade.

Ideal Market entered a parade exhibit featuring gravel top. The sign read "All roads lead home for a gravel top." Gravel tops are a long-standing Superior tradition which is a sweet roll with a frosting filled with sugar pieces resembling gravel.

Birch Road Birds is a local Kansas-Nebraska pheasant raiser. Sam Hoops sells pheasants.

Also part of the parade was a 1961 yellow Ford pickup driven by Tray Upton and a 1954 blue Ford pickup driven by Ryan West.