Heat Wont Simmer Crowds at Annual Omaha Concert - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Meghan McRoberts

OMAHA (KPTM) - The 22^nd annual Bank of the West Celebrates America concert attracted music fans to Memorial Park as early as 5 am Friday morning to get their perfect spot for the show.

Opening bands start around 6pm, featuring Scarlett Drive, then Mockingbird Sun.

Music fans say no heat will keep them away from hearing some of their favorite songs.

"We played some Huey Lewis last night and I really got into it so I'm actually really looking forward to it," said Laura Everett.

Life-long fans and even fans that weren't alive in his prime braved the heat for hours.

"We got a spot in view of the restrooms, you can see the stage, and we're in the shade," said Leslie McManigal.

It's that shade that most were fighting for, underneath trees and umbrellas.

Everett and her son made a tent to give them some a break from the sun.

"We have a cooler of ice, we have fans, we have wash rags, so we'll drape ourselves if we have to," said McManigal.

The Metro Utilities District also provided free water to the tens of thousands of fans. "We just set the cups out here and just let them help themselves, " said M.U.D employee Joe Wynn.

MUD supplied nearly 5,000 gallons of water, so fans can focus on the hits, not the heat.

The concert also contributes to the Food Bank of the Heartland. Concert goers were encouraged to bring canned goods, or monetary donations.

The night wraps up with a fireworks show.