Relatively small but very popular, the Bridgeport State Recreation Area lies adjacent to the North Platte River on the north edge of Bridgeport. It totals 197 acres with 119 acres of land and 78 acres of water in several sand pit lakes.

The Recreation Area had its beginnings during the 1930’s as a sand and gravel pumping operation. During the early part of World War II, gravel from Bridgeport was hauled to Alliance to build the concrete runways for the paratrooper base there. The area was obtained by the Game and Parks Commission for development as a recreation area in 1952.

Attractions

Picnicking, fishing, swimming and camping are some of the favorite activities at the area. Facilities include picnic tables, shelters, fire grates, drinking water, trailer dump station and vault toilets. There is also a playground for the youngsters. Camping is primitive, with no designated sites. However, about 50 units can be accommodated on the area.

All boats are permitted on the Center Lake; however, boat traffic must travel in a counter-clockwise direction, and speeds are limited to 5 mph in the large bay at the southwest end of Center Lake. The smaller lakes are limited to non-powered vessels and those powered by conventional electric outboard motors.

Swimming is allowed at the designated beach area, but it is unsupervised. Swimmers should always use extreme care and stay in the designated area. Anglers will find ample variety, with catchable size rainbow trout stocked in the northwest lake. Other species available include walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and channel catfish. Rifles and pistols are prohibited at all times at the State Recreation area.

One of the earliest developments by the Commission was the planting of numerous trees and shrubs, which have now matured to provide ample shade. Visitors will find cottonwood, pine, sand cherry, plum, Nanking cherry, quail bush, chokecherry and Chinese Elm predominant on the area.

For more information, visit www.ngpc.state.ne.us.

For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/chro/index.htm.

In November of 1841, Rufus B. Sage recorded, “A singular natural formation, known as the Court House, or McFarlan’s Castle . . . rises in an abrupt quadrilangular form, to a height of three or four hundred feet, and covers an area of two hundred yards in length by one hundred and fifty broad. Occupying a perfectly level site in an open prairie, it stands as the proud palace of Solitude, amid here boundless domains. Its position commands a view of the country for forty miles around and meets the eye of the traveler for several successive days, in journeying up the Platte.”

The rocks are visible from State Route 88, six miles south of Bridgeport on State Route 88, and historical markers along the highway give more information on the rocks. There is no visitor center, but a minimum maintenance road allows travelers to drive up to the rocks for an up close and personal view of the wonders.

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010

5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: Sloppy Joe’s, potato salad, and/or cole slaw and drink, including music furnished by Paul Evans and “County Music,” all for $3.00 per plate. Boy Scouts to serve Root Beer Floats. Also–Camp Clarke Queen candidates announced.

6:30 p.m.: TRIVIA CONTEST in the lobby of the Community Center. Get your teams and compete! For more information, call Tammy Covalt or Jane Oliver at 262-0326.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2010

Sugar Valley Rally Test Run, First car to arrive at Community Center parking lot at 2:00 p.m., and last car leaving at 3:45 p.m.

7th Annual Camp Clarke Ranch’s Children’s Fishing Day!! Starting at 4:00 p.m. – FREE fishing for TROUT at the old swimming pool (located just north of the municipal swimming pool)–All fish are furnished free of charge by Camp Clarke Ranch. Greg Wickard again has volunteered to be in charge of the event.

Camp Clarke Play “The Veggie Villain”!! -or- “He Had a Steak In It!” at 7:00 p.m. at the Middle School Auditorium-all under the direction of Taryn Retzlaff and helpers.

Camp Clarke Queen and attendants will be announced.

Dodge Ball Competition at the school multi-purpose room starting at 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010

7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast at Prairie Winds Community Center–$3.00 adults, $2.00 children under 12.

7:00 a.m.: Annual 5K Walk/Run competition beginning at Paul’s Sprinkler Service at 4th & Main. Also, Children’s Fun Walk/Run at 9:00 a.m.

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Antique tractors to line up at Rural Fire Hall on Hwy 88 1/4 mile south of Railroad tracks. Will drive to Court House & Jail Rocks and back and be in the Camp Clarke Parade–then will again line up for display at Rural Fire Hall.

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Craft Show at PWCC. Contact Donna Nelson. ALSO, Quilt Show at PWCC.

10:00 a.m.: Display of “Trykes” at Wells Fargo Parking Lot.

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: BOOK SALE in Old City Council Room (next to Library) by Friends of the Library.

10:30 a.m.: The Big and Famous Camp Clarke Parade. Lineup to begin at 9:30 a.m. on the corner of 5th and O Streets (north side of Heritage Care Center.) Theme: “Bridge The Gap to the Future.” Immediately after the parade in the Community Center Parking Lot: State Patrol’s display of “Importance of Using Seat Belts;” Lion’s Club “Sight and Hearing” Bus; and much more.

11:00 a.m. – ??: Presbyterian Pie Sale at PWCC

11:30 a.m . – 1:00 p.m.: Pioneer registration at PWCC

Noon: Food Booths at PWCC as wells as the many restaurants and other places in Bridgeport.

Noon: Mud Volleyball at the Fairgrounds. Pre-register at PWCC.

Noon – 4:00 p.m.: Complete Children’s Identification Program at PWCC (no charge).

1:00 p.m.: KARAOKE Contest at PWCC. Come, enter, and make some cash! Music furnished by Lone Wolf Karaoke. For more information, call Susan Kelly at 262-0784.   * There will be  a “HIRAM SCOTT” presentation by Bernie Miller before the Karaoke.

1:00 p.m. – ??: The Annual Horeshoe Tourney at the court at the West City Park. Please register by 12:30 p.m. in order that brackets can be made.

2:00 p.m.: Excursion to the overlook of the original “Camp Clarke.” Begins at PWCC under the direction of Loren Pospisel.

2:00 p.m.: “Frog and Turtle Races” on the parking lot near the front of PWCC. Children are urged to catch their entries and enter the races!!

MUSEUM to be open following the parade until 5:00 p.m. Must see the display of “Hiram Scott!!”

CAMP CLARKE PLAY at school auditorium under the direction of Taryn Retzlaff starting at 7:00 p.m. This is the only money-maker for Bridgeport’s huge celebration. Make sure your purchase your tickets at Berg’s True Value (First come, first served!)