Heartland Family Festival

Aug. 2 was the Heartland Family Festival, co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Omaha and Spirit Catholic Radio, at Creighton University’s soccer stadium. My family was among the nearly 600 people who attended the 6 ½-hour event.

The day included kids’ games, bouncy houses, vendor booths, an arts and crafts show, entertainment by Jonnie W., Mike Mangione and the Union and Collin Raye and a 12-minute fireworks display. 

We had a blast, and really enjoyed being together as a family.

Organizer Peter Kennedy of the Archdiocese of Omaha said that while he was disappointed in the number of people who missed out on the event, the joy of the Gospel was experienced in a new way that day.

"Confessions were heard, prayers were said, the flag was raised in honor of our troops, our police, and our firefighters. Jonnie W. taught us to laugh and sing as we spread the Word of God and Mike Mangione showed us how art can be more powerful than mere words," Kennedy said. "I rarely saw a cell phone unless it was to snap a picture." 

Kids were playing games with their parents on the soccer field ALL DAY, he said, and little girls played with princesses and danced in circles together to the music.  

"The kids came and sat with Archbishop Lucas and watched wide-eyed as their parents danced to their wedding songs played live by Collin Raye," Kennedy said. "Alcoholics celebrated their recovery to the tune of 'Little Rock' and we ended the day with the most amazing fireworks display that I think I’ve ever seen, courtesy of Bellino Fireworks."

"On the Monday after the event, the Chancery had already received word that someone had decided to enter the Church because of what they had witnessed there," he said. "The Spirit was moving that day."

Here are some photo highlights from the day.

The Spirit 102.7 game booth was a huge hit! 

(photo by Ann Eatherton)

Here Spirit Catholic Radio's Ann Eatherton helps kids play the Catholic matching game. 

(photo by Lisa Maxson)

A beam from the North Tower of 1 World Trade Center destroyed on Sept. 11, 2001, was on display.

(photo by Lisa Maxson)

Girls make bracelets at one of the many booths at the festival.

(photo by Lisa Maxson)

Spirit Mornings co-hosts Jen Brown and Bruce McGregor pose with the Chick-Fil-A cow.

(photo by Ann Eatherton)

Me and my sister had to try out Spirit Catholic Radio's Jesus photo board.

(photo by Jason Maxson)

The kids zone was filled with bouncy houses.

(photo by Catherine Schroeder)

Kids play soccer and other games on Creighton's soccer field.

(photo by Lisa Maxson)

Spirit Catholic Radio intern Dan Bost and Spirit Mornings co-host Jen Brown.

(photo by Lisa Maxson)

My daughter, Madelyn, got a butterfly painted on her face.

(photo by Lisa Maxson)

My daughter and nephews watch Anna and Elsa from the movie "Frozen" perform "Let It Go."

(photo by Lisa Maxson)

Spirit Catholic Radio listener Catherine Schroeder with princesses Belle and Snow White.

(photo courtesy of Catherine Schroeder)

Nikki Schaefer, wife of Spirit Catholic Radio's Bernie Schaefer, and daughter, Sophia, with their Prayer Pillows and other items sold at the arts and crafts show.

(photo by Catherine Schroeder)

Spirit Mornings co-hosts Jen Brown and Bruce McGregor with Spirit Catholic Radio listeners Matt and Andrea Mack and their sons, Aaron and Jared, from Grand Island.

(photo by Ann Eatherton)

My sister, Alicen Brandl, and I with singer Collin Raye.

(photo courtesy of Lisa Maxson)

Mike Mangione and the Union

(photo by Catherine Schroeder)

Singer Collin Raye

(photo by Catherine Schroeder)

A great fireworks display ended the festival.

(photo by Lisa Maxson)

The Archdiocese of Omaha has photos from the event on their facebook page and will add more here as they get permission. View them at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heartland-Family-Festival/455621694566759?sk=manager#!/pages/Heartland-Family-Festival/455621694566759.

Blogged by Lisa Maxson, senior writer/reporter.