Writing Marathoners Explore Omaha's Old Market
A record-breaking 18 NeWP marathon writers gathered on a brisk spring morning at Delice European Bakery and Cafe in Omaha's Old Market on April 12. After traditional introductions and writing marathon orientation, four groups headed out into one of Omaha's most colorful and historic neighborhoods. Popular writing spots included the Most Excellent Slide in the Gene Leahy Mall, the Passageway, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, Mr. Toad's Library and Pub, the downtown branch of the Omaha Public Library, a windy construction site, and La Buvette. Soul Desires, a wonderful bookstore specializing in books on spirituality, graciously hosted the read-around in a quiet space appropriately ringed by books and fair-trade coffee. The marathon concluded with a celebration at the Upstream Brewing Company.
This marathon brought several new Omaha-area faces into the writing marathon fold and also included our first family group. Olivia, Shelby, and Deron Larson teamed up with Maija, Kyle, and Jeff Grinvalds for an afternoon of writing adventure. Some of the best writing at the marathon came from these brave young writers!
Other participants included Kay Vetter, Mary Birky, Dan Boster, Jeff Lacey, Stephany Kecy, Cindy Cronn, Lisa Laviolette, Robert Brooke, Gloria Waters, Jen Stastny, Chris Lund, and Susan Martens-Baker.
And a Reminder....
The next writing marathon will take place on Saturday, September 20th , at Platte River State Park. The marathon will start at 12:30 p.m. with group-forming and a picnic lunch on Owen Landing and conclude with an ice cream social and read-around at 3:30 at Owen Cabin #2. Participants are asked to register in advance with Susan Martens-Baker at SusanMartensBaker@mbkco.com and to contribute $10 toward facility rental and the ice cream fund.
The Platte River Writing Marathon will be part of the Platter River Writing Retreat on Sept. 19-21. Please see the event flyer for all the details. Be sure to register by August 1st if you want NeWP reserved cabin space at the bargain price of $40 for the whole weekend. Otherwise, Platte River State Park and nearby Mahoney State Park offer other lodging and camping options.
