The dog days may be here once again, but instead of trying to beat the heat this month, get into some fun in the sun. There’s plenty to choose from in Nebraska and Kansas.
The Red Sky Music Festival in Omaha, Nebraska is an open-air intensive featuring a variety of musicians from all genres including Journey, 311, Better Than Ezra, Buddy Guy, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, 10,000 Maniacs, Cowboy Mouth, Five for Fighting, The Fab Four—the Ultimate Tribute, Sister Hazel and others. It all happens at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha and the Qwest Center, over six consecutive days, July 18 through 23, 2011, across three stages. Food and beverage vendors will help you refuel for more concert fun. A “Battle of the Local Bands” will pit Omaha's best against one another, so come out and root for your favorite. Visit www.redskyfestival.com for additional information.
While summer is never short on festivals celebrating nature’s bounty, none in the Midwest are more flavorful than the Lincoln Historic Haymarket. A Lincoln, Nebraska icon dating back to the late 19th century, the Haymarket features a mix of events suited for the entire family. Savor the region’s flavors at the Farmer’s Market from vendors of fresh produce and local cuisine: Watermelons, squash, garlic, radishes, beans, tomatoes, peaches, nectarines, sweet corn, berries and other organically grown fare. Onsite butchers offer dried meats, buffalo, fresh-water fish, beef, lamb, chicken and pork. Or take home a slice of Americana from one of the many arts and crafts vendors – jewelry, glassware, birdhouses, blankets, wreathes, rocking chairs, soaps, wind chimes, primitive artwork and dried flower arrangements are only the beginning of table upon table of beautiful handmade items. The kids will enjoy Jelo the Clown's crazy balloon art and all the scrumptious treats they can eat. Savor the finest provisions the Midwest has to offer. Visit www.lincolnhaymarket.org/events/farmers-market.com to taste the fun for yourself.
A languid summer night is the perfect time to enjoy the silver screen under a vast, starry sky. Starlite Drive-In Theatre in Wichita, Kansas has been deemed “completely first class” and “a nostalgic treasure” by the locals, and is one of the only remaining drive-in theaters in the country to present not only double, but also triple-feature movie screenings. Broadcast the sound on your FM stereo or, for a few bucks, pick up a pair of in-car speakers. This treasured cinematic experience is something generation after generation will enjoy. Visit www.starlitefun.com for shows, times and ticket information.
It’s easy to enjoy the summertime happenings in Arkansas and Missouri. Get out and get in on the fun.
