I really love being an Omaha magician. I've lived in different parts of the country, but there's just something I find special about this area. I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska and brought up with Midwestern values.
It's so nice to see this area getting some wonderful recognition. Gallup just released a list of the happiest cities in America. Lincoln ranked #10 and the Omaha/Council Bluffs area ranked #29. Overall, not too shabby. Smithsonian magazine listed Nebraska City at #9 on their list of the Top 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2014. Money Magazine ranked Papillion, Nebraska as the 9th Best Small Town to Live In.
I've only scratched the surface. I haven't even mentioned the Henry Doorly Zoo, the College World Series and other honors that have been given to Omaha and the surrounding communities.
But there's something else. I think it's the people. For the most part, people here are pretty friendly. That makes performing even easier for me. You'll notice that after I get my show set up and ready to go, I take some time to chat and joke around with both the children and the parents who come to my Summer Reading Program magic show. I want to make friends with people and let them get to know me a little bit.
I think that parents in the Midwest put a high value on spending quality time with their children. I see more and more parents and grandparents bringing children to my Summer Reading Program shows. That's something else I enjoy about being a Nebraska magician...seeing those Midwestern values in action.