Brownville residents welcomed many visitors Saturday morning, July 3, under sunny skies and seasonable temperatures for the 10th annual Freedom Day celebration.

While Missouri River flooding impacted some events, the Brownville celebration escaped the Sunday, July 4, rain that postponed celebrations in other cities, including Auburn and Humboldt.
There were 260 runners entered in the annual five-kilometer, 10-kilometer and half-marathon Freedom Run.
There were 13 entries in the Third of July dog show.  The judge was William Castro.  The winners were:
The friendliest dog was Sofie, shown by Emma Nieland. The best singer was Slugger, shown by Claudette Dalbec. Pearl had the best smile, shown by James Matteen. Quigley had the saddest eyes, shown by Sherry Runnels. Nano had the best tail wag, shown by Trevor Kahland. Lightning and Tynan McMullen looked the most alike. Minnie and Pearl had the best costumes, shown by Ella and James Matteen. Lucy did the best trick, shown by Carolyn Billings. The cutest owner was Melody Billings who showed Kip. The best Frisbee catch was by Lightning thrown by Tynan McMullen. The dog with an attitude was Tinker Bell, shown by Linda Aue. The most romantic dog was Paulie, shown by Caitlin Dimmick. Xtian was the most aged and wise dog, shown by Jim Runnels. The dog with the most unusual heritage was Bentley, shown by Lillie McMullen.  
The Dog Show was sponsored by Jan and David Wright.    Jan McMullen was the chairman.  
Winner of the 2010 Ugly Vehicle Contest was Tristin Davis.

Spectators lined both ends of Brownville’s Main Street for the mid-morning parade.
Jennifer Hart, Mrs. Nebraska 2009, appeared after the parade at the Brown-Carson House.
After the parade the activities moved to Boettner Park on Brownville’s Main Street for the Freedom Day service. Charles Anderson, trumpet and Jody Anderson, piano, provided pre-program music.
Bob Chitwood welcomed all to and said that “we are gathered in a special place where Co. C 1st Regiment enlisted June 9, 1861, for the Civil War, in memory of Americans who served in all American wars. We join together and reflect on our lives as Americans who served in all American wars. We join together and reflect on our lives as Americans,” Chitwood said.
He said that the signers of the Declaration of Independence sacrificed their fortunes at a time when sacrifice was the norm.
“All need to be aware that sacrifice is being called upon to serve the United States in a variety of ways,” Chitwood said.

Pastor Art Chapin said that he was pleased that the Founding Fathers had the foresight in declaring their independence from the United Kingdom. Chapin is pastor of Prairie Union Baptist Church, Stella and Bethel Community Church, Brownville. He delivered the invocation and benediction.
“We should be grateful for the opportunity to live in the United States. We have rights that cannot be taken by any man or any government,” Chapin said.
Members of American Legion Post No. 23, Auburn, demonstrated how to fold the American flag. Ryan Thomas, a cast member of the Brownville Village Theatre, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Bill Hayes read President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. All sang “God Bless America.”
“It takes many volunteers to make (the celebration) possible. We appreciate the participation of all who make it a reality. You need encouragers when you start and continue a project,” Chitwood said.
JoAnn Dunn, parade organizer, was named Miss Independence. Herb Rinkleff of Brownville Sanitation was named Mr. Firecracker. Chitwood received a Patriotic Award for his many contributions to Brownville. A quartet from The Brownville Village Theatre sang “America, The Beautiful.”
Maj. Stewart Rinkleff, Brownville native, gave the message. See separate article.
Janae Holbein, former Brownville Village Theatre cast member, sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Members of American Legion Post No. 23 gave a gun salute. Charles Anderson played “Taps” on trumpet.

Other events included: a children’s tractor pull, performance by the Southeast Nebraska Community Band, and afternoon and evening Village Theater performances.