Bushwhacker Days are here again!

Hi neighbors. It's been a hectic week with all the Bushwhacker Days events and the carnival in town. I love to hear the giggles and screams of delight as children rediscover the fun of Nevada's 52nd annual event.

Although most adults work, students are out of school and eager to take in all the sights, sounds, smells and money-spending opportunities on the Square every night. Remember, a lot of the things to buy on the Square help support local charities and young people's organizations. You have to eat sometime, so might as well help the local economy while you're at it, right?

So much has happened. I hope you remembered your camera as well as your bottled water for your time spent on the Square. You and your children will appreciate reviewing those photos year after year. Maybe you should make a scrapbook dedicated to Bushwhacker Days and follow your family's adventures through the years.

As usual, the event kicked off Wednesday with crowning the royalty for this year. A lot of interviewing, studying local history and creating the look of 1860s Nevada clothing goes into this event. All those who participated, either as contestants or judges deserve thank you and congratulations.

Hometown tradition was given a tip of the hat with a cookout and old-fashioned Ice Cream Social.

Wednesday evening there were the Gospel songs celebrated on the main stage with room for seating on the courthouse lawn.

The Pride Amusements Carnival opened Wednesday night with armband nights both Wednesday and Thursday. The carnival will continue through Saturday night.

Thursday kicked off with a barbecue and had a band performing and another event on the main stage.

Friday and Saturday offered the annual Quilt Show. The quilters in the Nevada area are second to none in creating beautiful and historical quilts. More main stage entertainment was presented.

This column runs in Saturday's Nevada Daily Mail and today the Bushwhacker Days celebrations really gain their stride. From 8 a.m., till after 8 p.m., there is non-stop entertainment. Vendors line the Square. People of Vernon County meet and greet throughout the day. Some family members come from many miles away by car or plane to be here for this annual "families' reunion" of the community of Nevada. That's reason enough to get out and about on the Square to reunite with long lost friends and classmates. Many informal class reunions are held this weekend.

There are the baby and toddler contests, various antique and modern vehicles and farm implement show, Civil War reenactments, special performances by local historians all day long in the Living History Tent, and of course, the Bushwhacker Days Parade starting at 6 p.m. This year's theme for the parade is "Our Heritage, Lest We Forget," and promises lots of beautiful floats.

After the parade there will be more singing on the main stage. I hope you can all come out to see the many events and performances coordinated and supported by local business owners and volunteers. Whatever you see or do, be sure to show your appreciation for all the hard work that goes into this event each year. Give all the volunteers a big thank you and applaud loudly for all performances!

Remember to take precautions to keep this a happy event. Discuss with your children where meet-up places are in case you get separated. Travel in groups. Bring your own lawn chairs. Wear hats, use sunscreen and carry bottled water at all times. Carry a cell phone to keep in touch with family members while circling the Square. Explain historical events portrayed by performers and stress how it's all about Vernon County history.

Most importantly, have fun! Take your time and chat with your neighbors while walking. Get lots of photos of your family enjoying the day. Happy 52nd Bushwhacker Days!