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Serving the Loup Valley for 142 Years

Midwest Maker’s Market Draws Large Crowd
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Visitors enjoyed a large selection of food trucks and snacks stands located in downtown Ord during the Midwest Maker's Market on July 5.

By Kate Wolf
   Mother Nature had some of her own fireworks to display on the evening of July 4, 2025 throughout the Valley County area with rainfall in excess of three inches reported in Mira Valley and comparable amounts elsewhere.  But it didn’t dampen the Independence Day spirit as much of the rain had ceased by dark allowing surrounding community festivities to continue as planned.  Several Valley County communities also sponsored various fundraisers, barbecues and potluck suppers prior to their fireworks displays, which were not affected by the brief storm.  However, the Ord fireworks were delayed until the following evening.
   Saturday morning, July 5, dawned bright and beautiful with just enough of a breeze to offset our typical summer heat.  Midwest Maker’s Market in downtown Ord was even bigger and better than previous years with many colorful vendor tents dotting the square, a large variety of food trucks conveniently parked along the south side, and a huge selection of other vendors literally filling every other available venue.  The Golden Husk alone was a shopper’s delight with eager visitors overheard to gasp, “Wow!” as soon as they entered the building.
   Countless people strolled along the square, stopping in open businesses, scanning the huge variety of wares offered by the vendors, roaming amongst the food trucks, stopping at the beer garden, listening to the live music from the gazebo, laughing or talking quietly in the shade of the courthouse trees.  The entire event had a quaint festival atmosphere….a slice of small town life, a moment in time attendees would remember, the kind of welcoming environment unique to communities like Ord.  
   The downtown area was packed and parking was at a premium but nobody was heard to complain about the necessary walking as it was such a beautiful day and folks were ready to shop!  Even at indoor eating establishments customers were eager to get back out there and spend some money.
   “It was another successful Midwest Maker’s Market for the books,” remarked organizer, Sara Gideon.  “The weather was beautiful and downtown Ord was thriving.  The community really came together and supported.  The music was delightful, the balloon artist was a big hit, and the vendors were appreciative to all that supported their businesses.”
   By 2:45 p.m. locals and visitors alike had loaded their purchases into the car, grabbed lawn chairs, blankets, a cool beverage and began jockeying for the best shady position beneath the courthouse trees. Vendors began quickly packing up their wares as the Stars n’ Stripes Concert was about to begin.
   The Flatwater Jazz Orchestra had been tuning up, drawing visitors toward the courthouse lawn where people began to gather.  The orchestra is the only one of its kind in Nebraska.  The 17 musician members cover a diverse range of backgrounds and skills but all are of the highest caliber.  Fittingly, the "Star Spangled Banner" was the first number they played and it was heartwarming to see everyone pause, stand and place their hand respectfully over their hearts.  It was a wonderful concert and our thanks go out to The Golden Husk for sponsoring such quality entertainment. 
   Additional thanks to Midwest Maker’s Market for putting on a fun-filled festival that was enjoyed by so many visitors, alumni, local residents and Ord businesses.  It left us looking forward to the next one!

Weather Sponsored By:
Dan Vech

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