OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — It’s a festival with deep roots. "It's a good time to come home, visit with friends and see people that you haven't seen in a long time,” said Sheila Jackson, Vice President of Native Omahan Club.
For the past 44 years Native Omahan Days has promoted the history of North Omaha. Especially 24th Street. “It's a celebration, and so it's something that we really want to highlight in terms of being able to celebrate North Omaha and celebrate what took place along 24th street,” said Vicki Quaites-Ferris, Co-facilitator of Native Omahan Days. 24th Street was known as the jazz district. Which is why a big part of Native Omahan Days features local and international artists.
But mostly, the week-long festival is all about coming home. “This is an opportunity for those who have moved away from Omaha, from the city of Omaha, to really come back and to celebrate being from here,” said Quaites-Ferris. “Class reunions, birthdays, family reunions, and everybody has a good time and enjoys themselves,” said Jackson.
Even though this festival only happens every other year, organizers say they hope it inspires people to see what's new in North Omaha and support it every other day of the year. “But how can we really support the businesses even when Native Omahan Days is over,” said Quaites-Ferris.
