HASTINGS, Nebraska (KSNB) – Thousands were in downtown Hastings Saturday to participate in the Kool-Aid Days parade. While it’s a great time for everyone, the kids mostly look forward to one thing.
“Candy was thrown to me and the Kenesaw cheerleaders,” said participant Annabella Diggins.
Some people enjoy getting candy at the parade.
“We drink something like Kool-Aid and I like the candy when you get a high from it,” said participant Carter Rundle.
But for some children it’s not just about sweets.
“The best thing about the Kool-Aid Days parade is getting candy, seeing lots of people and seeing the cool cars and trucks they have here,” said participant Bentley Horton.
A mother-daughter team shares a different perspective on Koo-Aid Days and the parade.
“My favorite part of the parade is the HHS band because my sisters are in it,” said participant Alannah Gordon.
“We’re seeing her sister march for the first time,” said participant Angie Call. “My favorite part is the huge Kool-Aid booth where I can just try all the different flavors.”
Kool-Aid Days has been a staple in the Hastings community for over 20 years and for some, it is an event that brings the entire community together.
“Such a great sense of community and just being together and celebrating one of the things that makes Hastings unique,” said participant Jo Bair.
Locals like Bair participate in Kool-Aid Days every year. For some, Kool-Aid Days has been an eye-opening experience.
“When I first came to visit, they told me that Kool-Aid came from here, and I didn’t really believe them until we passed by the museum and I thought, ‘Oh, what!'” said visitor from California, Alea Martinez. “Then they told me about Kool-Aid Days and I thought, ‘Oh, I want to go there.'”
A man claimed to be a Kool-Aid master, and when he heard about Kool-Aid Days, he had to investigate.
“We’ve heard about the Kool-Aid Festival here, and I say I do Kool-Aid better than anyone, but it seems like a story,” said John Underwood, a participant from North Carolina. “I didn’t know there was so much Kool-Aid stuff going on.”
Underwood also gives his seal of approval to the Kool-Aid he tried at Kool-Aid Days.
“Oh, from here?” Underwood said. “Oh, I think we agree. I’m not going to put myself last, but I’ve tried some very interesting samples here, some of which I’ve never had before.”
The third day of Kool-Aid Days ends at Lake Hastings with cardboard boat races.
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