Lincoln is welcoming visitors for a busy November, with state high school volleyball championships, the 13th annual Good Life Halfsy and a growing lineup of holiday activities bringing people into the community.
Visit Lincoln President and CEO Jeff Maul says the city is entering one of its busiest stretches of the year, with sporting events and community activities providing opportunities to attract visitors and support local businesses.
Maul says the Good Life Halfsy is another major event on Lincoln’s November calendar. The half-marathon takes place Sunday, with runners and their families arriving Saturday to enjoy the community before race day.
“We get people in here on Saturday, give them a good time on Saturday night and they run on Sunday,” Maul tells KLIN. He says the event, organized by Pink Gorilla and its team, has developed a reputation for offering runners more than just a race.
Many participants also stay Sunday night before returning home Monday, providing additional opportunities for Lincoln hotels, restaurants and other businesses to benefit. Maul says the event’s success is reflected in the connections it creates between visitors and the community.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, Visit Lincoln is also encouraging residents to explore attractions and businesses close to home through a series of digital passports available on its website, Lincoln.org. The current passport focuses on Lincoln’s murals and public art, highlighting opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the city’s creative side.
New passports will be introduced every few weeks or monthly, with themes that could include nature, shopping and local events. Maul says the goal is to encourage people to discover what Lincoln has to offer in their own backyard.
He also encourages residents to make shopping locally part of their holiday plans, noting that supporting independent retailers helps sustain local employment and keeps money circulating in the community.
“Think about what you’re doing this holiday season and supporting local businesses, supporting local employment,” Maul says. “Giving back is really what the holiday season is about.”