What is your name?
Eric Kaplan
What do you want people to know about Dundee?
Dundee is one of the best neighborhoods in America. Not kidding. In 2011, the American Planning Association named Dundee as one of the best neighborhoods in America! It is a walkable, historic “small town” in the middle of Omaha where you’re certain to run into your neighbors and friends while you shop, enjoy dinner, or savor an ice cream cone. Dundee was one of the first suburbs in Omaha and it’s historic homes and big trees will beckon you.
How did Dundee Day begin and evolve?
Dundee Day began as an unofficial series of sidewalk sales back in the 1950’s. In 1992, it became an officially planned event to include vendor booths and activities for kids. Over the years, the event has grown to include over 100 vendors (plus our great merchants); a huge classic “hometown” parade with fire trucks, marching bands, classic cars, Stormtroopers, and more; a kids village; a pancake breakfast; a 5K run; local music during the day, supporting community groups; and a great slate of local music throughout the afternoon and into the night.
How did you start volunteering for Dundee Day?
I have been involved in festivals and events for over 25 years. When my wife and I moved to Omaha in 2011, I was looking for a way to get involved with the events in Omaha. I started as a setup volunteer for Dundee Day to lend a hand to something right in my own backyard. I had always mentioned that I’d be willing to do more than just “day of” work and, in 2017, the merchants asked if I would be willing to join the Production Team and step into the role of Production Manager. It was a little rough my first year, but our team of merchants and residents hit our stride in 2019 and have been getting better and better every year!
What do you want people to know about Dundee Day?
It may be cliche, but there really is something for everyonepancakes and great food trucks and food vendors if you’re hungry; a 5K run if you’re up for something physical; a kids village for the young ones to play and have fun; woodworking, art, jewelry, community groups, school outreach, great local vendors, and lots more for your retail therapy; a used book sale to restock the home library; a mobile makerspace to try your hand at 3D printing, electronics, and laser cutting; and so much more! Plus, Dundee Day is proud to present “Dundee Night” as a full afternoon and evening of local food, drink, and amazing local music for the whole family to enjoy! The Dundee Night event includes lawn games and free admission and is a great way to catch up with your neighbors and enjoy a great piece of Dundee!
What are some of the things that you like about Dundee?I love the walkability. It’s not uncommon for my wife and I to wander up to Underwood for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and dessert. I get my hair cut, go to the dentist, and shop in Dundee. And beyond the business district, Dundee is a great community of neighbors. I love chatting with my neighbors out on the front sidewalk in the Spring and Summer, catching up and handing out candy on an amazing Halloween evening (while sitting among my heavily decorated front yard), and trading off shoveling each others’ sidewalks in the Winter.
Do you live in Dundee?
I have lived on Cass Street in Dundee since moving to Omaha in 2011.
Why did you pick Dundee?
When we were house hunting, we wanted a community of classic homes and landscaping that wasn’t “cookie cutter”. The architecture, mature landscaping, and business district reminded my wife and I of a classic neighborhood in Atlanta that we had always admired. Dundee presented everything we were looking for.
What is the Dundee Day website, address and public contact information?
https://www.dundeeday.org
DundeeDayOMA@gmail.com
and for reference in Google
5001 Underwood Avenue
Omaha, NE 68132
What should we know about the Dundee Day Production Team?
While I’m proud to have the title of “Production Manager” for Dundee Day, there is an AMAZING team of people bringing Dundee Day to life! We are all volunteers and we are a diverse mix of local merchants and neighborhood residents. Everyone has their roles and areas of responsibility and we bring it all together on August 20th for our great neighborhood. We truly believe we are producing “The Best Neighborhood Event in Omaha’s Best Neighborhood!”
Don’t miss Dundee Day, Saturday, on 20 August in Dundee!!
Learn more at:
https://www.dundeeday.org
