Inside the cozy confines of the grandstand, however, it is warm and toasty. As Fonner launched its 55th season yesterday, the prospects for a successful racing season seem bright. The grandstands are spic-and-span clean and there are plenty of windows to offer your money to the racing gods. Since 1953, Fonner Park has been a refuge for the sporting public as the winter fades away and spring erupts. Since 1953, Fonner has been a fixture in Grand Island and has contributed to the success of the community.

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Of course, the start of the racing season means that it is time for the annual Red Cross Chili Cook Off. Today is the day for chili lovers to smack their lips as over 40 area chefs offer a taste of their wares. This puts the "fun" in fund raiser. With over 30 raffle prizes and buckets of ice cream to cool off the tongue, it is an event that you should not miss. Watch out for Matthew Armstrong's atomic-brew or whatever he is calling his chili this year. It is only for the strongest of stomachs. The fun starts at 11:30.

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A Saturday Salute to the Grand Island/Hastings group that delivered a presentation and bid to the Nebraska Schools Activity Association to host the 2008-09 state volleyball tournaments in the two cities. By all accounts, it was a strong bid and the only thing that prevented the tournament from being relocated to Central Nebraska was the availability of the University of Nebraska Coliseum, the mecca of the volleyball universe. Unfortunately, the Central Nebraska bid was rejected and volleyball fans will once again be subjected to parking tickets and traffic snarls as they try to maneuver through Lincoln. Local volleyball fans are some of the most rabid in the nation and it is too bad they won't be able to watch the state tournament in the fine facilities in Grand Island and Hastings, featuring free and ample parking. But the strong bid showed the NSAA and the 'O' Street Gang that Central Nebraska is serious about hosting future events.