Its stores were open late for Thursday night holiday shopping, like they used to be.
And the Hotel Pawnee had a Christmas tree.
Hundreds of people flowed through the grand lobby of downtownâs grande dame, taking up owner Jay Mitchellâs invitation to view the initial stages of the Pawneeâs restoration.
Thursdayâs three-hour open house gave many younger residents their first glimpse of the 1929 hotel â worn down but still reflecting its classic beauty â and let older folks recall North Platte Christmases long, long ago.
âSeeing the Christmas tree as a child â it was very, very special,â said Mary Agler of North Platte.