There’s certain to be an influx of folks over the coming days, as the annual Fur Trade Days celebration takes off. Though cancelled in 2020 due to concerns around COVID, FTD returned strong last year, and the 46th celebration this year will see a return of several activities from 2021.
Fur Trade Days Board Vice president Miles Bannan is excited about the return of activities that got some good response last year, and some additions for this year.
Those looking for a more adventurous time during Fur Trade Days can check out the primitive Buckskinner’s Camp. The camp regularly draws in people from across the country, and is located 3.5 miles east and eight miles south of Chadron.
Though open to the public, those looking to see some action at the camp are encouraged to head out on Friday, July 8, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. The day includes a pistol match at 9 a.m., trade gun match at 10 a.m., youth rifle match at 1:30 p.m., and an evening cook off and potluck dinner.
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On Thursday, July 7, there will be novelty shoots in the afternoon and a candle shoot in the evening at the camp.
On Saturday, July 9, the camp is home to rifle matches, beginning with a couples match at 2 p.m. There are also tomahawk matches for men, women and youth, and primitive archery.
In the city, events get underway on Thursday, July 7, with Story Time, crafts, bread, jerky and a movie at the Chadron Public Library at 10:30 a.m. The Devon Worley Band takes the stage to open Bands on Bordeaux from 6-9 p.m. on First Street at Railroad Park, but the music doesn’t stop there as Alexa Winston will perform from 9 p.m. until midnight at the Downtown Plaza, Second and Main.
Friday, July 8, the library will host its second annual chess tournament starting at 10 a.m., and people can express their creativity during the sidewalk chalk contest at the library, at noon. Also known as Family Friday, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the Black Hills Raptor Center will provide an up close look at some birds of prey at the courthouse lawn. “That was a cool show,” Bannan said, referring to the addition of the raptor center’s show in 2021.
At the same time, the Puzzle Pieces historical scavenger hunt gets underway at the Downtown Plaza, and players will take to the tees at Ridgeview for the CSC Football Talon Club Golf Tournament.
Those looking for some light-hearted entertainment can take in The String Beans at the courthouse lawn, beginning at 2 p.m., or head over to the library for Games of Yesterday, also at 2 p.m.
At 4 p.m., the Traders’ Market opens at the courthouse lawn for those looking to pick up some unique items or homemade treats. There is also a historic walk of Chadron Avenue and Second Street starting from the library.
A big draw, the downtown carnival, officially open at 5 p.m. Though the carnival runs until midnight, there’s still plenty happening with the Classics in the Park Cruise Night followed by a park and show in the 200 block of Main Street from 5-7 p.m.
Head back to the courthouse lawn at 7 p.m. to see and hear the Nebraska National Guard 43rd Army Band, and to the downtown area for some live entertainment from Brianna Helbling beginning at 9 p.m. Hilltop Lanes will also have free youth bowling for those 20 and under.
With regard to the National Guard Band, Bannan advised people should bring lawn chairs in case there is not enough seating. Helbling, he noted, is something of an “up and comer.”
At 10 p.m., it’s eyes to the sky for a fireworks show, another addition from last year. The fireworks will be visible from downtown, along East First Street, from the carnival or from Roger Eaton soccer fields. Fireworks will be a bit bigger than last year, Bannan noted. In case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be set off Saturday.
Saturday gets underway early with the Chadron Rotary Colter Run, a two-mile, 5k or 10k event starting from the Nelson Physical Activity Center at CSC. Registration can be done online at runchadron.com by 10 p.m. July 8, or at the event from 6:30-7:29 a.m.
Throughout the day, Shumway Fields will be home to the ninth annual Rob Brown Memorial Men’s Softball Tournament.
The Traders’ Market opens again at 8 a.m., and just to the north is the Chadron Masonic Lodge Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. until noon. Those looking to register for the Classics in the Park Car Show can head over to Wilson Park at 8 a.m. The official show gets underway in the park at 11 a.m.
The big event Saturday morning is the annual Lions Club Parade, this year with a theme of “Rockin’ USA.” Though the parade starts at 10 a.m., there will be a Parade of Historic Fur Trade Flags at 5:15 and a parade of Puppies at 9:45, both in the 400 block of Main Street.
Following the parade, grab some lunch with the Chadron Chamber of Commerce Ambassador’s Barbecue on the courthouse lawn and the ice cream social at the First Congregational Church of Chadron. Live entertainment will be provided by Pete Butler at the courthouse gazebo.
Those looking to get a little dirty can try their hand at the Rotary World Championship Buffalo Chip Throw in the 400 block of Main Street. Some cleaner competition will be at the library, with the second day of the chess tournament.
Folks who like it a little loud can check out the action at the demolition derby, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. Prior to the main event, there will be a “bump and run,” a race around a set track during which hitting other vehicles is allowed to advance position.
For those with an artistic sense, or who are looking to explore the use of different mediums, Madison Quilting and yarns at 128 West Second is hosting sessions on painting with wool from 1-5 p.m.
With the summer in full swing, head over to the Chadron Aquatics Center for the “Beat the Heat” skills events from 2-4 p.m.
On the west edge of town, pop in at Greenwood Cemetery for Historical Cemetery Tours at 4 and 7 p.m. Portrayed this year are Connie Bell Swanson, Milton Grantham, Bertha Horse, Welcome Naylor, George Snow, and Byron and Maggie Radcliffe.
The carnival is open again at 5 p.m., and live downtown entertainment is Johnny Cochran, starting at 9 p.m.
“We’re really looking forward to that show,” Bannan said. “They’ve got a big, loud, energetic, fun show they do.”
The final day of FTD, things start winding down, with the conclusion of the Rob Brown softball tournament and the last day for the carnival, which opens from noon until 5 p.m. Those looking to try their luck at a ringer or two can stop by the Lions Club Horseshoe Pits at main Street and Belle Fourche Ave for the horseshoe tournament starting at 12:30 p.m.
