|
Three-day birthday party is in the works for Omaha
BY ERIN GRACE
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Omahans, mark your calendars for the third weekend in July, and don't
leave for vacation.
In this 150th year of the permanent settling of Omaha, the city's
birthday bash is scheduled for July 16 through 18.
And it's not something to miss - with outdoor concerts, cultural events
and a fireworks show - say two of the people planning and raising money
for the party: Mayor Mike Fahey and First National Chairman Bruce
Lauritzen.
They announced plans for the birthday weekend and unveiled the city's
150th birthday logo Tuesday at the Winter Garden atrium of the First
National Tower.
"As we mark 150 years, Omaha has a tremendous amount to celebrate,"
Fahey said.
The two invited businesses, neighborhood associations and other groups
to help promote the city's milestone and to use the unveiled birthday
slogan, which incorporates the city's new logo: a red O!
"We're proud to tell people Omaha is 150 years old, and we want to
celebrate," said Lauritzen, whose ancestors were among the pioneers who
in 1854 crossed the Missouri River and held a July 4 picnic on the hill
where Central High School now stands.
In a nod to that first celebration, the city is planning a blowout
weekend of events, including:
• An evening concert by an as-yet-to-be-named national act July 16.
• A daylong picnic at the Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha
campus, followed by an outdoor Omaha Symphony concert downtown and
fireworks show July 17.
• Various cultural events July 18.
The events will be free and open to the public, though there may be
costs for food, transportation or other items.
Lauritzen is heading up a committee to seek the mostly private
financing to pay for the events. The city will kick off general
birthday celebrations in May, with events running through September.
Those interested in incorporating the birthday logo, or with questions
about the July events, should contact organizer Vic Gutman & Associates
at 345-5401.
©2004 Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved.
|
