That one day a year when ALL of Omaha comes to Benson to celebrate the arts, entertainment and culture of our beloved neighborhood. Benson Days is HERE this Saturday, July 27th in downtown Benson. You won't believe all the wonderful things we have in store for you!

Benson Days is presented by the Benson Business Association with support from the Benson Neighborhood Association and the Benson Business Improvement District. It's an event when all of our organizations unite to give back to the city. 

This year we've been so fortunate to have two amazing ladies at the reins of Benson Days. Samantha Blackwell (Parlour 1887) and Kelsey Riewer (Paperdoll) are the BBA's 2013 "event team" have spent countless hours planning and coordinating this monumental task. I'm sure, once you attend, you'll agree they've done a spectacular job. Please drop by and give them a big "thank you" for volunteering. If you have any questions about Benson Days, please drop them an email by clicking HERE.

Of course, Sam and Kelsey couldn't do this on their own. Dozens of individuals and businesses have stepped up to support and run elements of Benson Days. The list is too long to send, but know how much everyone is appreciated. This truly is a community-wide endeavor.

Of course, we are so very grateful for the financial support of Benson Days. Sponsors and donors are very generous in offsetting the costs associated with the weekend.

Finally, thank you in advance for attending and telling your friends and neighbors about Benson Days. We don't have much of a budget to do advertising or promotions, so word-of-mouth is critical in getting the word out across Omaha.

Without further adieu, below you will find all kinds of information about Benson Days. 

See you Saturday!

Kurt Goetzinger
Owner, Omaha Advertising
President, Benson Business Association
Webmaster, www.BensonNebraska.com and FACEBOOK

Hop over to Maple at 61st Street, next to Jane's Health Market to enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast by The Pancake Man himself.  Only $5 per plate which includes pancakes, sausage and drink. YUM!

This event is presented by and funds support the Benson Neighborhood Association
Sponsored by TSYS Merchant Solutions

This year's BNA Benson Days Parade starts at Benson High School and heads west down Maple to 63rd and will feature nearly 50 entries! Kids should bring a bag for candy and treats from various groups. Be sure to wave a great big "thank you" to our beloved friend Jane Beran, the parade grand marshal (and owner of Jane's Health Market).

For more info on the parade, please contact Peggy Gilmore at magilmor1@gmail.com

This parade is presented the Benson Neighborhood Association
Sponsored by Great Western Bank

Once the parade is complete, the annual Benson Days street festival opens. Here you will find dozens of vendors, artists, craftspeople and so much more. Hungry? You'll find a wide variety of food vendors right across from the Mainstage and beer garden. Maple Street will be closed until night this year to keep the party going. 

KIDS ZONE
Children of all ages will have a ball playing on inflatables, going for pony rides and participating in various activities throughout the day. 

MAINSTAGE @ 12 noon - 9 pm
61st Street will be closed for a huge stage featuring some of the area's best musical talent. Pull up a chair and grab a cold beverage!

Mainstage Schedule:
12 to 2:30 DJ Kobrakyle
2:30-3:10 Brad Hoshaw
3:20-4:00 Matt Cox
4:10-4:50 Sarah Benck
5:10 to 5:30 Howard
6:00 to 6:50 Dumb Beach
7:10 to 8:00 Simon Joyner
8:00 to 9:00 Dave Gold berg

Sponsored by Benson Business Improvement District (BID)

The Benson Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8 am - 1 pm on Military, just north of Maple Street. They feature various fruit & vegetable vendors as well as many unique crafts and gifts.

Think you're the best backyard grillmaster in Omaha? Come to Benson Days and put your skills to the test! During Benson Dats the market will present GRILL WARS, a backyard bar-b-que grillathon, a non-sanctioned grilling contest. Awesome prizes and bragging rights abound.

For more information, contact Janelle at 402-571-1785

Immanuel Lutheran Church (2725 North 60th Avenue) presents their annual block party, open to everyone. The event will feature BINGO, games, faice painting, treats and popcorn. Be sure to sign up for various drawings for prizes throghout the afternoon.

For more information, call 402-553-5061

You don't have to be a music afficianado to appreciate the local talent we have in Benson. After dinner, join us at for venues for some of Omaha's finest talent showcasing their original tunes.

Only $10 gets you a wristband to get into all of the venues all night. This is a 21 and over event (except at PS Collective).

SCHEDULE

The Sydney
8:00-8;35-Stereo Rocket
8:50-9:25-OPK
9:40-10:15-John Klemmensen and the Party
10:30-11:05-Square One
11:20-11:55-The Subvectors
12:10-12:45-Vago

PS Collective
10:00-10:35 Virginia Gallner
10:50-11:25 24 Hour Cardlock
11:40-12:15-Pflames
12:30-1:05 Artillery Funk

Burke’s Pub
9:05-9:40 Naked Plywood
9:55-10:25- Clear The Day
10:40-11:15-UFO Club
11:30-12:05-Fino
12:20-12:55-The Ronnys

Barley Street Tavern
8:50-9:25-The Whipkey Three
9:40-10:40-Adam Marsland
11:00-12:00-Jim Jacobi