HistoricOmaha

Omaha World Herald
Published Sunday June 29, 2006

BY NIZ PROSKOCIL

Food, fireworks and free music will fill the grassy fields of Memorial Park on Friday.

Between 40,000 and 50,000 fans are expected to attend “Bank of the West Celebrates America,” a pre-Fourth of July celebration.

The popular community event, started 16 years ago by Commercial Federal Bank, is now sponsored by Bank of the West.

“We’re delighted to sponsor the event,” said Karen Baldwin, a Bank of the West senior vice president. “It’s our way of thanking not only our customers but the Omaha community.”

The outdoor concert kicks off with the national anthem performed by the Cantori choir of the Nebraska Children’s Chorus, followed by up-and-coming country music duo LoCash Cowboys.

Also performing is ’60s and ’70s group the Fifth Dimension. The band’s hit singles include “Up, Up, and Away,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” and “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All.”

The lineup of the five-member group includes two original members: Florence LaRue and Lamonte McLemore.

Headlining the event is classic-rock band REO Speedwagon. The group has a string of hits from the ’70s and ’80s, including “Time for Me to Fly,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Take It on the Run” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”

Band members of REO Speedwagon are Neal Doughty, Kevin Cronin, Bruce Hall, Bryan Hitt and David Amato.

Over the years, the Memorial Park concerts have become a popular draw for fans of all ages.

“It’s such a wholesome family event,” Baldwin said. “It’s a wonderful way to kick off the long Fourth of July weekend.”

Bank of the West Celebrates America The free concert starts at 6 p.m. Friday with the Cantori choir of the Nebraska Children’s Chorus, followed by LoCash Cowboys, the Fifth Dimension and REO Speedwagon.

Fireworks by Grucci start at 10 p.m.

Free parking is available at the University of Nebraska at Omaha starting at 4 p.m. Use the pedestrian overpass to cross Dodge Street. Neighborhood parking is limited.

Streets from Underwood to Western Avenue, between Happy Hollow Boulevard and 66th Street, will be one-way going north from 8 a.m. until midnight.

Memorial Park will open at 5 a.m. for fans who want to place blankets and lawn chairs in advance of the event. Tarps and stakes are prohibited.

Vendors will sell food and beverages. Outside refreshments are allowed. Alcohol is prohibited. Free water will available from Metropolitan Utilities District.

For information, call 800-324-6495 or visit www.bankofthewest.com/celebratesamerica

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