Lancaster and Lincoln Counties both held events on Saturday, November 3, celebrating National Adoption Day.

Lancaster County Juvenile Court participated in their 14th consecutive National Adoption Day celebration, hosted by the Honorable Reggie Ryder, Separate Juvenile Court Judge, Lancaster County. They finalized 37 adoptions at the Lancaster County Justice and Law Enforcement Center in Lincoln and provided refreshments and fun activities, such as balloon artists, face painting, photo booth, arts and crafts, and hair braiding, for the children and their families.

Four of the children were adopted into the Collier family. Roger and Mary Collier officially adopted their four grandchildren in order to keep the family unit together. The Colliers expressed a great deal of happiness at finally being able to make the adoption final.

You can read more about the Colliers and their experience from ABC affiliate KLKN here:http://www.klkntv.com/story/39411925/adoption-day-at-lancaster-county-courthouse

The National Adoption Day event held in North Platte celebrated adoptions in Lincoln, Dawson, Chase, Keith, Logan, Frontier, Thomas, Valley, McPherson, Red Willow, Hitchcock, and Furnas Counties. Children and families that finalized adoptions over the past year gathered at Wild Bills Wings and Bowling for a fun family day hosted by the Honorable Michael Piccolo, District 11 County Court Judge.

November is National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day is designated for Saturday, November 17. Nebraska will have a total of eight celebrations across the state. Events are scheduled to be held in Omaha, Hastings, Kearney, Grand Island and Norfolk on November 17, and in Scottsbluff on December 8.

For more information on upcoming celebrations and events, go to: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/programs-services/children-families/nebraska%E2%80%99s-national-adoption-day

Photos: National Adoption Day activities in Lancaster County courtesy Nebraska DHHS, Lee Rettig