Fall Festival in the Village at 24th and Lake
Building on ten years of success with Christmas in the Village, the Empowerment Network, OEDC, Revive, FHAS, Omaha Star and 30 plus businesses, venues and organizations have come together to plan and host the first Fall Festival at 24th and Lake.
It’s an open invitation for families, friends, neighbors and the whole community to come down and celebrate the start of fall and have a great time together.
“We have something for all ages,” said Willie Barney, CEO of the Empowerment Network and co-owner of the Revive Center and Carver Legacy Center in the district.
“It’s an opportunity to build on the positive momentum at 24th and Lake, provide some fun activities for children and families and continue the development of our business, food, arts, culture and entertainment district.”
Those in attendance will have more than 20 different activities to enjoy including these highlights:
- A hayride starting near Dreamland Park at 24th and Lizzie Robinson
- Free pumpkins and produce, craft activities and exhibits at the Union;
- Caramel apples, cinnamon rolls and delicious lunch items at the Revive Center
- A petting zoo and carnival games at OEDC
- Face painting, smoothies and vegan foods at Ital Vital
- Hula hooping and snacks at the Bryant Center
- Free candy at the Great Plains Black History Museum
- Cider and cookies at Styles of Evolution
- A fall coloring contest at the Omaha Star
- Great music at Dreamland Park.
Cartoon characters will be seen outside the Carver Legacy Center, inside the Fair Deal Village Marketplace near the Rooted Synergy Gallery and at 24th and Grant next to the Mildred Brown Park.
The Husker football game will be shown at the Revive Center and Bryant Center for those that want to keep up with the game while also taking part in the festival.
All of the businesses in the area will be open and offering special discounts and fall merchandise. Still Poppin will have all of the most popular flavors including the Omaha Mix, Cookies and Cream, Caramel Cheddar, Cheese, Cajun Jalepeno and Buffalo Ranch.
“We are really excited to be part of these events,” said Imani Murray, co-owner of Ital Vital Living. “We opened this summer and we have received great support from the community.”
“Our part is the hayride right here in the neighborhood,” said Michael Young, president of Technology Consulting Solutions and co-owner of the Rooted Synergy Gallery. “We are looking forward to providing a fun experience for kids of all ages.” The Rooted Synergy Gallery also opened this year at the Fair Deal Village.
“The Union team is planning some great activities for families,” said Brigitte McQueen, executive director for The Union for Contemporary Art. “It’s perfect timing as we have reopened and have new exhibits and free produce to offer the community.”
The event planning team encourages everyone to mask up and enjoy themselves in a safe way. The partners have also teamed with Douglas County and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance to offer vaccinations in front of the Mildred Brown Park during the event.
“It’s the first Fall Festival that we are all doing together. If you want to see something added in the future let us know,” said Barney. “We would love to see it grow the same way Christmas in the Village has evolved over the past ten years to include thousands of attendees the first Saturday in December.”
“We will add more partners and activities as we go. And, the businesses and venues in the Village plan to have events like this consistently the rest of this year and moving forward in 2022.”
“This is a great opportunity for the 24th and Lake Street village to come together and show a unified effort in bringing family and fun activities to the area. The momentum is building,” said Cynthia Hume, Site Manager for the Fair Deal Village Marketplace.
“We’ve been here at 24th and Lake for seventeen years,” said Don McPherson, owner of Styles of Evolution. “It’s great to be a part of the rebirth of this area and working with other businesses to make it happen.”
Mask up and come on down to the Village at 24th and Lake.
Coming Events
Coming Dec. 7th…14th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake
Shop, Play, Eat, Sing, and Celebrate!
The Empowerment Network is inviting you to the 14th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from Noon to 5 PM – a magical day filled with festive fun for the entire family!
Presented by the Empowerment Network and Omaha Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with dozens of 24th & Lake Partners, this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration is the largest holiday event in North Omaha, drawing over 7,000 visitors from across the region!
From the dazzling arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage to the lively entertainment, holiday shopping, and delicious eats – this is the holiday event you don’t want to miss!
Here’s what’s in store:
Watch the 2024 Preview Commerical Here
• Kick-off with Santa and Mrs. Claus plus all your favorite cartoon characters!
• Live performances by local artists, choirs, and dancers.
• A live nativity scene with real animals (yes, there will be a camel!).
• Free carriage rides, toys, face painting, and balloon art!
• Over 30 vendors in the heated Holiday Boutique tent, perfect for holiday shopping.
• Visit the Grinch at Ital Vital Living!
• Delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks!
Whether you’re here for the holiday boutique, the music, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. Plus, businesses in the district will be offering special discounts and holiday treats.
Make this your new holiday tradition! With over 70 businesses, organizations, and artists coming together, this will be the BIGGEST and BEST Christmas in the Village yet.
Plan ahead for street closures starting at 10 AM at 25th to 22nd on Lake Street and from 24th & Maple to 24th & Burdette. Streets reopen at 5:30 PM.
Don’t miss this unforgettable experience! Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit to Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake.
Coming Events
Aaron Johnson, owner of Oasis, nationally-recognized black-owned grocery store to speak at AALC
Aaron Johnson, owner of Oasis Fresh Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma, home to Black Wall Street, to speak at the Empowerment Network’s 12th Annual African-American Leadership Conference on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Johnson will share what it has taken to launch and grow the successful grocery store and more about his entrepreneurial journey.
Tickets available here: 2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)
Johnson is blazing new trails as one of the most innovative and successful black-owned grocery stores in the nation.
With the support of City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper and Rose Washington, CEO of TEDC, he established Oasis, a fresh food market in North Tulsa after a 14-year drought in an area considered a food desert.
People from across the country are flocking to Oasis to learn more about the model and how it can be replicated in their communities.
Johnson’s leadership style is highly enthusiastic and contagious. The energy in the store is amazing. Plenty of high fives to go around for customers and employees. He has also built a pathway where student employees head to college after high school.
He partners frequently with Charles Harper and Damali Wilson of World Won Development to host large events to connect Oasis customers to services including employment, job training, health and more.
The food selection and quality available in the store make it one of the best in the nation. Always full with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Aaron Johnson
Aaron “AJ” Johnson is the Founder of Oasis Fresh Markets, the first full-service grocery store in North Tulsa’s historically black-neighborhood (once called Black Wall Street) in 14 years.
Growing up in Milwaukee, AJ saw the tremendous differences between resourced and under-resourced communities. After moving to Oklahoma, he learned that residents in North Tulsa neighborhoods have a life expectancy 11 years shorter than those living in other Tulsa communities.
Whether it was the school systems, playgrounds, or even access to grocery stores, many North Tulsa residents had to travel for miles to enjoy the same resources that non-distressed communities have readily available.
AJ also launched a non-profit called The Oasis Projects to provide wrap-around services, including rental and utility assistance, support for single parents, banking, workforce training, and health-related educational classes.
AJ believes the Oasis model provides a blueprint for under-served communities by equipping people for every aspect of a healthy life.
The African-American Leadership Conference which attracts hundreds of leaders will feature keynote, Eric ET Thomas, one of the nation’s top motivators, influencers, and New York Times best-selling author along with dozens of local and national speakers.
Tickets available. 2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)
The African-American Leadership Conference is presented by the Empowerment Network of Omaha and features local and national leaders along with allies from every sector.
Tickets available. 2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)
For more information on the Empowerment Network, please go to empoweromaha.com
Coming Events
Frank Hayes, Founder of Hayes & Associates to share financial wisdom at AALC
Frank Hayes will share financial principles he has learned during his 40 years of advising clients at the Empowerment Network’s 12th Annual African-American Leadership Conference on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Tickets available here: 2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)
Hayes is the founder of one of the oldest and most successful Black-owned businesses in the state of Nebraska. Through his leadership, Hayes had established accounting and consulting offices in several states and has clients across the country.
Frank and his team have assisted thousands of businesses and customers over the years with establishing a solid financial foundation. Through Hayes and Associates, clients have attained success through growth and expansion.
Beyond their day to day work with clients, Frank and his team have dedicated themselves to investing back into the community as volunteers, board members and support for churches, non-profits and small businesses across the community, but especially in North Omaha.
The African-American Leadership Conference which attracts hundreds of leaders will feature keynote, Eric ET Thomas, one of the nation’s top motivators, influencers, and New York Times best-selling author along with dozens of local and national speakers.
Tickets available. 2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)
Frank Hayes
Hayes is the owner and President of Hayes & Associates, LLC, a CPA and consulting firm he founded in 1983 in Omaha, Neb. He has more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, including previous roles as the Director of the tax department at Grant Thornton CPAs and an internal revenue agent for the Internal Revenue Service.
Hayes earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Creighton University in Omaha. He also is a graduate of the Small Business Executive Education Program at Clark Atlanta University and the Minority Business Executive Program at Dartmouth College.
Hayes has received numerous honors during his career including induction into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2009. He was recognized by the 100 Black Men of Omaha as one of its Men of Honor in 2013.
He has also received the Nebraska Society of CPA’s Public Service Award; the Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award, sponsored by the NCCJ; the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Community Leadership Association of America; the Rotary Club of Omaha Free Enterprise Award; and the Western Heritage Museum African American Award for Corporate and Community Leadership.
Hayes currently serves on the Creighton University Board of Trustees as well as the Business Ethics Alliance, Great Plains Black Museum, Kaneko. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Mutual of Omaha Bank and the Companion Life Insurance Company.
The African-American Leadership Conference is presented by the Empowerment Network of Omaha and features local and national leaders along with allies from every sector.
Tickets available. 2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)
For more information on the Empowerment Network, please go to empoweromaha.com