Now to the big event in Omaha Friday night. Fans had to brave some dicey conditions at Memorial Park. Dark clouds and rain moved in around 7:30 in the Dundee area, but the show did go on. Reporter Maya Saenz was there.
"It's a great way to kick off the Fourth of July weekend."
Memorial Park: the setting for a night of celebration and music. "I'm here to see Kool and the Gang." As tradition carries on, Omahans have been coming to the Bank of the West Celebrates America concert for years. "We've been coming for over twenty years." For Tyler Brattin "This is year five. Fifth annual for us. Been coming since after senior year of high school."
Some even coming as early as 5 a.m. to set up camp for a good spot on the lawn. "We've had our table set up for the food, we're going to have chicken, potato salad, salsa, a few drinks...hahaha " said Sandra Ritter.
Because tonights concert is a tradition, a little rain didn't scare off many people like Gayle Spencer. "I came all the way from Illinois to see Kool and the Gang. My sister lives across the street, we have been coming for years. And I don't care, as long as I don't get struck by lightning, I'm gonna watch Kool and the Gang. Thank you very much."
Although some people did pack up early in the evening."They can't take a little sprinkles."
But most stayed around: under umbrellas, having marshmallow fights, and even though there weren't any Piña Coladas, there was still some dancing in the rain.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world - it's worth seeing it. No matter what." "Even if it hails like last night, even that. I don't care. It's worth it."
