Uncle Sam Jam Set for Wednesday, July 3 at Oak Lake Park

Published on June 18, 2024

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today invited area residents to the City’s free Uncle Sam Jam Independence Day Celebration Wednesday, July 3, at Oak Lake Park, North First and Charleston streets. The park opens at 6 p.m., live music starts at 7:15 p.m., the flag lowering ceremony is at 8:15 p.m., and the fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m.

“Lincoln’s annual Uncle Sam Jam celebration provides a festive opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our nation’s independence with a night filled with music, fireworks, and fun,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird. “I invite all Lincoln residents to enjoy the festivities at Oak Lake Park and create lasting memories with family and friends.”

The fireworks are sponsored by Pepsi-Cola and U-Stop and presented by J & M Displays of Yarmouth, Iowa. The show will be set to music provided by NRG Media/Broadcast House and aired on its four radio stations – B107.3 FM, Froggy 98.1 FM, 105.3 The Bone FM, and KLIN 1400 AM/99.3 FM. Raptor, the United States Air Force Heartland of America popular music ensemble, will perform from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m.

There are no food vendors or rain date for this year’s event. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages and to bring reusable water bottles and eating containers to reduce waste. A limited amount of free water and bottles will be provided.

Uncle Sam Jam parking:

Residents are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic delays. Because repair work on the Sun Valley Boulevard bridge may cause additional delays, residents are urged to access the parking areas via North First and North 11th streets from Cornhusker Highway.

Beginning at 9:45 p.m., access to Sun Valley Boulevard from West “O” Street and Cornhusker Highway will be prohibited. A parking map is available at lincoln.ne.gov/unclesamjam. Those areas include:

  • Unpaved lot southwest of Oak Lake Park
  • Bowlin Stadium lot
  • Haymarket Park lot
  • Nebraska School Activities Association lot
  • Pinnacle Bank Arena festival space south of the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center
  • Haymarket Garage, North Ninth and “Q” streets
  • Marketplace Garage, North 10th and “Q” streets

Free shuttle parking:

StarTran will provide free public shuttle bus service from 5 to 11 p.m. between the main entrance at Oak Lake Park and these locations:  

  • Haymarket Garage, North Ninth and “Q” streets
  • Gold’s bus stop, South 11th and “O” streets, across the street from the worksite
  • County-City Building complex – northeast corner of Ninth and “H” streets and southeast corner of Ninth and “K” streets. Free parking is available in two lots – one bounded by Ninth, 10th, “G” and “H” streets and one bounded by Ninth, 10th, “K” and “L” streets.

Paratransit service is available for those eligible. Reservations can be made by calling StarTran at 402-441-7109.

Important event notes:

  • Residents are encouraged to use the StarTran shuttle as a sustainable transportation option.
  • Place recyclables and waste in designated containers.
  • Fireworks are prohibited in all City parks at all times. Fireworks other than those used in the official City display are prohibited in the park during the celebration.
  • Lincoln City parks are tobacco-free. City policy prohibits use of any form of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chew or dip, and vaping products in any park areas or facilities designated as tobacco-free.
  • Alcohol is prohibited in the park.
  • Personal watercraft are prohibited on the lake.
  • All pets are required to wear a leash in the park. Attendees are discouraged from bringing pets to the park during the fireworks display.
  • Register at lincoln.ne.gov/OakLakeCleanup to volunteer for the Oak Lake Cleanup event July 5 and receive a free lunch.

Admittance policies:

  • All park guests and their coolers, clear bags and blankets are subject to inspection at the park entrance.
  • Only coolers, clear bags (12”x12”x6” maximum size), blankets and lawn chairs will be allowed in Oak Lake Park. Personal items allowed in the park are limited to phones, keys and wallets.
  • Minors (age 18 and under) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Red Cross will have first aid available. Visit lincoln.ne.gov/unclesamjam for a parking map and more information.

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