Omaha Driver Entertainment Guide

Located at 3215 State Street is the Mormon Trail Visitor’s Center.  For the past 26 years, the Mormon Church has hosted a gingerbread house display at this location.  Starting around November 19th and running through December 31st, the display is free to the public, and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Our family attended the 2011 event.  The children especially loved the scavenger hunt activity, searching for items hidden among the gingerbread display.  The displays are beautifully hand-crafted and creatively arranged.  And, they include more than just houses – castles, snowmen, stores and trees – all made out of gingerbread. Make a trip to the Mormon Trail Center a part of your annual holiday tradition.  Happy Motoring!

Located at 17111 So 138th St. in Springfield, Nebraska, is Soaring Wings Vineyard. One of Nebraska’s best vineyards, Soaring Wings hosts an outdoor concert series that runs through the end of September. Bring your lawn chair. Sit and enjoy the spectacular view of the Platte River Valley while listening to some soothing music. The Winery has a rustic hospitality room where you can purchase the winery’s award-winning wines or beers. The winery is open year round, with special events throughout the year.  Octoberfest will be held September 24th and includes a huge BBQ.  Check out Soaring Wing’s website for details. Don’t drink and drive. Happy Motoring!

Located at 701 N. 40th in midtown Omaha, is St. Cecelia Cathedral. Begun in 1905 and consecrated in 1959, St. Cecilia Cathedral is one of Omaha’s most historic and recognizable architectural achievements. St. Cecelia’s is also the seat of the Omaha Archdiocese. The church’s website says the architectural style is “Spanish Renaissance Revival”, and it is easy to see the Spanish and Mexican influence in the design. Every winter, St. Cecilia’s hosts one of most spectacular floral displays in the Midwest, that it is open to the public. The 2010 event will be held the weekend of January 30-31; with Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday hours: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is a donation. Mass times may also be found on their website. Happy Motoring!

The 2009 River City Roundup got underway today, and runs through Sunday, September 27th. River City Roundup agriculture exhibits, amusements, and food vendors are located in and around the Qwest Center. The annual Heritage Parade will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, downtown. The parade route begins at 17th Street and Capital Avenue, travels East on Capital to 10th Street, and then North on 10th Street to Webster Street. Be a “judge” in the big State Championship Barbecue Contest, held in parking lot D. For $10 you can sample the pork loin entries throughout the day Saturday and vote for your favorite. Drive safely and Happy Motoring!

Oktoberfest 2009 is being held at the German American Society, 3717 S. 120th Street, Friday, Sept. 18 from 5 p.m. to midnight, and on Saturday, Sept. 19 from noon to midnight. Entry is $3 or $4 bucks. With live bands and a full German menu Saturday, this is an event you will not want to miss. Call 333-6615 for more information. Happy Motoring!

On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, Omaha’s Riverfront Wine Festival will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Landing. The landing is located at 515 N. Riverfront Drive, next to Rick’s Boatyard Cafe. Sample wines from all over the world! General admission is just $20 and includes 10 “tasting” coupons. Ticket sales are being handled through Ticket Omaha. Getting large clouds of white smoke from your vehicle? You most likely have a cracked engine head or a bad head or intake gasket. Watch the coolant level – if it drops, you will know what your problem most likely is. Happy Motoring!

On Sunday, September 13, Arts Alive! and the first “Great Nebraska Beer Fest” will be held at Shadow Lake Towne Center, just off 72nd Street and Highway 370. The festival is co-sponsored by Nebraska brewers and the Sarpy Arts Council. Interact with the artists, starting at 10:00 a.m. Then, sample some of the nearly 80 different beers from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tickets to attend the Beer Fest are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. To learn more about other such events visit the Nebraska Beer blog. Take a designated driver. Don’t drink and drive.

La Festa Italiana is Omaha’s premier Italian-American festival, and is being held at Roncolli High School, 64th and Sorenson Parkway, September 4th, 5th and 6th. The celebration goes to midnight each night – great Italian food, wine and beer. Check it out. Be Safe! Don’t drink and drive.

The festivities for Omaha SeptemberFest get underway today, Thursday, September 3rd and culminate on Monday, September 7th (Labor Day). You can get the complete schedule of events at the SeptemberFest website . Happy motoring!