Christmas 2016 at Concordia weekend offers two community events

Christmas at Concordia weekend Dec. 2-4, 2016, will include two community events as part of Concordia University, Nebraska’s annual Christmas celebration featuring an open house on campus and the Scholarship Parade of Homes in and around Seward, Nebraska.

The open house is 4:30-6:30, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, in the Janzow Campus Center, with a tree lighting of the 40-foot outdoor Christmas tree at 6 p.m. on the C.G. “Kelly” and Virginia Holthus Family Plaza. The event is sponsored by Concordia University, Nebraska, and Cattle National Bank & Trust Co.

Prior to the open house, community members are encouraged to participate in the Scholarship Parade of Homes 12:30-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. The parade will feature homes owned by Marlin and Marge Burkey, Jay and Tami Ferris, Rob and Julie Hermann, Tim and Rita Hughes and Nathan and Heather Myers.

Proceeds from the annual event support high school students of Seward County who attend Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, and Concordia University, Nebraska. The Scholarship Parade of Homes has raised more than $65,000 in cumulative scholarship funds since it began in 1995.

Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance for $12 at Concordia University in Weller Hall room 206, Jones National Bank & Trust Co., Union Bank & Trust Co., Cattle National Bank & Trust Co. or online at christmasatconcordia.net. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event for $15 in the Seward High School lobby or Concordia’s Weller Hall lobby.

The annual event is sponsored by Concordia University, Nebraska and Cattle National Bank & Trust Company.

Additional information about the homes:

Marlin & Marge Burkey

950 Country Club Drive

Marlin and Marge Burkey built and relocated to their home in 1999. The house has an open view to the Seward golf course visible from the moment visitors step through the front door. The north patio features views of the course’s lakes and water fountain, while the east patio has a built in grill to enjoy cookouts and chats with passing golfers.

Jay & Tammie Ferris

2953 Branched Oak Road

In August 2009, Jay and Tammie purchased their rural home northwest of Seward. Built in 1996, the house sits on ten acres with beautiful views of rural Nebraska and plenty of space for gardening and beekeeping. Finishing the basement in 2012 completed the home with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The open floor plan and beautiful woodwork are the first features a guest sees when entering their home.

Rob & Julie Hermann

2025 Rainbow Avenue

Rob and Julie Hermann purchased their home in June 2006, putting in an offer the same day they saw it, just one month before their wedding. One of the main attractions of the house is the way it brings in natural elements – slate tile in the entryway, birch doors and molding, cherry and birch floors in the dining and living rooms and a series of large sliding glass doors that lead to the backyard. Rob and Julie were able to add their own structure and style when they finished the basement and they have included vintage and rustic items, antique family furniture and travel memorabilia throughout their home.

Tim & Rita Hughes

1966 308th Road (Staplehurst)

Tim and Rita Hughes completed and moved into their home Easter weekend of 2000. The home brings Southern Colonial style to Nebraska with its large front porch, dormers and columns, while the wood fence is reminiscent of Kentucky horse farms. It is located on 400 acres that have been in the Hughes family since 1941, with ponds to the east and an incredible view to the west. The home features a golf simulator, a game room and numerous family collectables.

Nathan & Heather Myers

745 N. 2nd Street

Nate and Heather Myers moved into their home in 1996. They were drawn to the 1911 Craftsman two-story’s beautiful woodwork, but the rest of the house was a diamond in the rough. Over the years, they have restored or updated every room in the house. Some of the main features include a massive fireplace, beautiful built-ins and stunning wood floors and trim. These details compliment the Myers’ collection of antiques, family heirlooms and other items that Heather has painted and repurposed.