Four-day event to include new and favorite activities
With the star-spangled theme of “Celebrating America 250,” A’ROR’N Days 2026 is serving as an early kickoff this week with local events celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday.
Having witnessed America’s Bicentennial celebration as a child in 1976 Jody Griffith, president of A’ROR’N Days, Inc., said she is excited to see children and their families come together to celebrate their country.
“Our hope is everyone takes away lasting good memories of attending the traditional celebration while building stronger community ties and also enjoying the many events that bring back alumni and stir many good memories,” Griffith said. “We believe A’ROR’N Days was started many years ago to celebrate and build strong alumni and family ties while enjoying the many free events offered throughout the celebration.”
This year, the event will kick off on Wednesday with a community appreciation supper sponsored by Hamilton Telecommunications in celebration of the company’s 125th anniversary. That will take place from 4-7 p.m. at 1006 12th St.
Family Night takes place on Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m. with activities for all ages. The courthouse grounds will be filled with the Edgerton Explorit Center’s Explorit Zone and Raptor Experience, the power pedal pull competition, the Kid’s Patriot Games and kiddie train rides provided by the Aurora Rotary Club.
On Friday, residents and visitors can find fan-favorite activities such as the Show & Shine Car Show and Shot Put on the Square. The Alumni Award presentation and Quilt of Valor ceremony will take place on the square at 7 p.m. The first annual Trading Card Show will be held at the Bremer Center from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday as well.
The Street Vault competition is set for Friday (5:30-9 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m.-2 p.m.). Those wanting to participate will need to contact Jeff at (402) 631-7372.
Other events to take place on Saturday include the MCHI Fun Run and Walk, the Craft & Vendor Event at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds and an adult street dance at The Grandview.
The A’ROR’N Days parade will begin at noon on Saturday with the parade lineup beginning at 10:30 a.m. Griffith commented that preregistration is not necessary to have a float in the parade.
“The parade starts at noon, so you can show up as early as 10:30 a.m.,” she said. “You will have to wait until noon for the parade to start, but you can bring your trailers, whatever you have that you want in the parade and we will give you a sheet to sign up right then.”
The second annual A’ROR’N Days pickleball tournament will take place Friday through Sunday. The multi-generational doubles tourney will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the gender doubles will start at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the mixed doubles tourney is set for Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Teams will need to preregister at www.aurorasports.ne. Times are subject to change and teams will be notified by the event sponsor on start times.
America 250
To celebrate Hamilton County’s history alongside America 250, the Hamilton County, Nebraska Celebrates America 250 Committee will be showcasing three free movie screenings at 12th Street Cinema on Saturday at 2 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 and 7 p.m.
Food trucks will be located along the square from Thursday through Saturday, and various feeds are being hosted throughout the community.
The Wesley Huenefeld Agricultural Museum behind the Plainsman Museum is the location for the annual quilt show, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
More information and a full schedule can be found on the A’ROR’N Days Facebook page and brochures are available at the News-Register offices and at other locations around town.