Lincoln’s annual Uncle Sam Jam at Oak Lake Park set for July 3

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln’s annual Uncle Sam Jam event at Oak Lake Park has been scheduled for July 3.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird announced Tuesday that the community is invited to the free event.

Food vendors will be open at 4 p.m. at Oak Lake Park.

A horn-driven funk rock band called Soul Dawg will perform from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m., according to city officials.

They’ll play hits from artists like Parliament, James Brown and Stevie Wonder.

The fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. and will be set to music provided by NRG Media/Broadcast House.

Free parking is available at the park and in the surrounding area, city officials say.

Additional parking will be made available at the festival space north of Pinnacle Bank Arena and in the Haymarket Park lots.

City officials remind the community to arrive early to avoid traffic delays.  A portion of Sun Valley Boulevard from West O Street to Cornhusker Highway will be closed beginning at 9:45 p.m.

StarTran will provide free shuttles to the park from 5 to 11 p.m. from the Haymarket, Gold’s bus stop and the County-City Building.

Admittance policies include: 

• Only coolers, clear bags (no bigger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches), blankets and lawn chairs will be allowed in Oak Lake Park. Personal items allowed in the park are limited to phones, keys and wallets.
• All park guests and their coolers, clear bags and blankets are subject to inspection at the park entrance.
• Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The city reminds attendees: 

• 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 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. Attendees are discouraged from bringing pets during the fireworks display.

Sustainability tips:

• Ride the StarTran shuttle for a sustainable transportation option.
• Bring reusable water bottles and eating containers to reduce waste. Free water will be provided.
• Place recyclables and waste in designated containers.
• Volunteer for the Oak Lake cleanup event at lincoln.ne.gov/OakLakeCleanup and receive a free lunch.

More information on the event can be found at lincoln.ne.gov/unclesamjam.