Lincoln’s Uncle Sam Jam starts off with a bang at new location

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The annual Uncle Sam Jam on Thursday brought thousands to the ballpark at Haymarket Park.

Lincoln’s big Fourth of July celebration was held at a new location this year, and to accommodate the change, shuttle buses ran every 10 minutes from the previous site at Oak Lake Park.

Organizers anticipated nearly 8,500 guests throughout the event, which began at 6 p.m.

Families and large groups of people could be seen sitting in both the stands as well as the berm.

One large family said regardless of the location change, they’re still excited to be there.

“We go to the fireworks display every year, but this year, it’s new to us because it’s here,” said Chris Conklin, a Lincoln dad. “Usually we go to the park.”

Conklin’s family was all dressed patriotically in red, white and blue for the occasion and stood by him as he spoke about his favorite part of the day.

“The most exciting thing about today is to see my daughter’s reaction to the fireworks,” he said.

People of all ages could be seen in the stadium, and there was something for everyone.

There was a magician making balloon animals for kids in line, alcoholic beverages for interested adults and a variety of snacks for all coming out of the concession stands.

Lincoln band Soul Dawg performed funk music throughout the evening, keeping patrons energized for the fireworks display, which started shortly after 10 p.m.