Preparations are underway at Memorial Park for the Bank of the West Celebrates America free concert and fireworks show on Friday.
Omaha's Park Director Brook Bench tells NewsRadio 1110 KFAB that they are putting finishing touches on the park. "Getting everything mowed, weeds sprayed, the rose gardens and all the canna beds and just making it to where its a showpiece for Omaha. We're proud of Memorial Park, we wanna have it in as best shape we can."
Bench says crews are hard at work setting up the stage as well. "They're doing all their sound work and getting everything set up logistically on the stage."
The festivities start at 6:00 with the singing of the national anthem by Tech Sgt. Becky Packard from USAF Heartland of America Band.
Then Emmet Bower band will take the stage, followed by The Confidentials leading up to the headliner, funk legends Kool & the Gang.
A night of music will be capped off by a fireworks spectacular at 10:00.
People coming to see the concert and fireworks are allowed into the park at 5:00 AM on Friday to put down blankets and chairs. As a reminder, tarps and stakes are not allowed in the ground at the park. Spectators are welcome to bring food and drinks to the concert, but no alcohol or glass bottles are allowed.
A few local food vendors will also be on hand to feed the hungry crowds including Mangia Italiana, Uncle Ernie's BBQ, Dippin' Dots and Lauren Beth's Popcorn. A portion of the proceeds from the vendors will go the Children's Hospital and Medical Center.