Memorial Day Activities In Kearney County

Memorial Day weekend is only days away and there are plenty of activities for residents and guests to Kearney County.
Axtell
On Sunday, May 29 the Axtell Fire Department will have a pancake feed from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and hold a “wet down ceremony” for the new pumper truck.
Also there will be a 5K walk/run by the tennis court. The race will start at 1 p.m. sponsored by the Axtell cheerleaders.
On Monday, May 30, VFW cemetery service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Rev. Matt Snell and the chamber will announce its “Citizen of the Year”.
Area churches will host a lunch from 11-1 p.m. at the practice gym. At 1 p.m. the Axtell cheerleaders will host a slave auction in front of the school.
At 1:30 there will be a Kiddie Parade sponsored by the VFW and VFW Auxiliary.
The Axtell Area Chamber of Commerce along with the Axtell Fire and Rescue are sponsoring a parade in Axtell on Monday. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. Parade line up begins at 1 p.m.
There is an ice cream and pie social from 2-4 p.m. at the community building by Keene Kid’s 4-H.
Registrations begin at 2:45 for the 3-on-3 basketball tournament which starts at 3 p.m. At 3 p.m. there is a horseshoe tournament in the North Park sponsored by the Boys Scout Troop #151.
Minden/Heartwell
Monday, May 30, Memorial Day Services begin early. Starting at 5:30 a.m., the Legion/VFW will be putting out large and small flags at the Minden Cemetery. The public is encouraged and invited to help put out the flags.  Meet at the north end of the cemetery.
8:00 a.m. – VFW Post 5537 will conduct a service at Eaton Cemetery service near Heartwell.  Following the Eaton Cemetery, the VFW will conduct a service at Holy Family Cemetery near Heartwell at 8:30 a.m.  At 9:00 a.m., a service will be held at Liberty Cemetery.
10:00 a.m.- American Legion Post 94 and VFW Post 5537 will join together for a service at Fredericksburg.  
The final service for the day will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Minden Cemetery.  The WWII veterans not needing special assistance are to meet at the north end of the cemetery at 11:15 a.m.
At the conclusion of the Minden Cemetery service, the public is invited to a barbecue at the Red River Steakhouse and Lounge.  The drawing for prizes will be at the barbecue.  Flag pick-up and re-packing for storage will be at 4:00 p.m. at the cemetery.  The public is invited to help.
Hildreth
The Memorial Day services will be held on Monday, May 30 beginning at 10:30 a.m. The speaker will be Keith Fickenscher, State of Nebraska Director of Veteran’s Affairs. Refreshments of coffee and rolls will be served starting at 9:30 a.m. at the cemetery with proceeds donated to the Hildreth Library.
Osco
The annual observance of Memorial Day at the Osco Cemetery will be held at 4:00 on Sunday afternoon, May 29.  The speaker will be Reverend Donald Becker. Following the service, lunch will be served at the schoolhouse.
Fredericksburg
An all-day Memorial Day celebration is planned for Monday, May 30 at the Fredericksburg Lutheran Church, located one mile east and five miles south of Minden at 616 33 Road.
The events begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Color guard by American Legion Post 94 and Heartwell VFW Post 5537.
10:30 a.m.-Memorial Day service with featured speakers Pastors Baron and Nancy Cole.
11:30 a.m.- Ladies of the Fredericksburg WELCA will serve lunch until the conclusion of the auction.
2:00 p.m.-Auction of homemade items.
Wilcox
The Wilcox Fire Department will be hosting a Memorial Day Dinner on Sunday, May 29 from 11:00-1:30 at the Lion’s Hall.
Boy Scout Troop #184 will be conducting a Memorial Day service at the Freewater cemetery at 2:30 p.m.
Ft. Kearny
Saturday, May 28th-Monday, May 30, Ft. Kearny will host a 1860s soldiers living history camp including a cannon firing all 3 days at 2 p.m.  The re-enactors will demonstrate a typical day at Fort Kearny Saturday and Sunday from 9-5 p.m. and from 9-2 p.m. on Monday. A park entry permit is required and can be purchased at the visitor’s center.