Rainy Surprise Shuts Down Omaha’s First Friday
The inaugural First Friday at Omaha’s RiverFront was called off just hours after it began. A sudden storm brought heavy rain and lightning, forcing organizers to cancel the event around 4:30 p.m. after only an hour of activity.
The day was meant to showcase:
- Saxophonist Chad Stoner
- The Pear Tree and Raices de México dancers
- Face‑painting by Ima Clown
- Family games such as cornhole and Giant Jenga
Families had already gathered in the park, even waiting for Mayor John Ewing to speak, but safety concerns won out. Participants from the Nebraska Humane Society had already joined in before the weather turned. Representative Bailey Wilson said she was glad to be part of the celebration, even if it ended early.
RiverFront will hold three more First Fridays later this year:
- August 7
- September 4
- October 2
Meanwhile, the planned community concert featuring Legends of Country with the Omaha Symphony has been moved to Sunday night. That evening’s show will include The X Factor finalist Rachel Potter and The Voice finalist Patrick Thomas, honoring country greats like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets for a lawn‑side listening experience.
Omaha’s Independence Day festivities remain on track. The Omaha Symphony will perform patriotic pieces at the Gene Leahy Mall pavilion, followed by a fireworks display that will be broadcast live for the first time on KETV.
