By: Ella Alberts
OMAHA, Neb. — For eight years, Centerfest has brought local vendors, small businesses and neighbors together in Omaha’s Hanscom neighborhood, creating an annual gathering focused on local culture and community connections.
Beyond food, shopping, and activities, the festival gives businesses a chance to connect with residents and introduce their products to people in the neighborhood.
Lindsey Clements, a Centerfest board representative, said the event gives neighbors from near and far an opportunity to experience the district’s culture and community.
“We’re excited to bring Centerfest back to the community. It’s been an amazing opportunity to just bring neighbors from near and far together in order to experience the culture and the community aspect of our business in our district,” Clements said.
For organizers, continuing the festival each year means maintaining a space where residents can gather. Although Centerfest takes place once a year, its connections can continue beyond the event through relationships between businesses and community members.
For local vendors, the festival can also have a personal meaning. Travis Barbour, a vendor with Clutch, said he and his family have attended Centerfest since it began and previously lived in the area.
“To be honest, we are just really fortunate to be out here. And to be part of the Centerfest. We’ve kinda been coming to these since they started, we used to live in this area and so like to actually be on the other side of it just feels really good,” Barbour said.
Barbour’s experience reflects how the festival can connect local businesses with a neighborhood they already know. As Centerfest continues, organizers and vendors have an opportunity to build relationships with residents and keep the Hanscom community connected.
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