GOTHENBURG, Neb. — Severe storms that moved through Gothenburg during the early morning hours Saturday caused significant damage to the main stage for the annual Livin’ Out Loud free Christian concert, but organizers say the event will continue as planned.
A storm packing heavy rain and strong winds swept through the area around 2 a.m., damaging the large outdoor stage that had been constructed over several days with the help of numerous volunteers. According to event officials, powerful winds lifted the stage structure and flipped it over, destroying portions of the lighting and sound equipment.
The concert is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at its venue on the west side of Lake Helen.
In addition to the stage damage, city crews have been working to restore power to portions of the western side of Lake Helen, where the event is held. Throughout Saturday morning, organizers, volunteers and city officials scrambled to assess the damage and develop alternative plans to ensure the concert could move forward.
Despite the setback, officials remain determined to host the event.
“The show must go on,” organizers said as volunteers worked to establish alternative stage configurations and make preparations for the thousands expected to attend.
Livin’ Out Loud has become a staple summer event in Gothenburg over the past decade. The annual free Christian concert has attracted as many as 15,000 attendees from across Nebraska and neighboring states. Admission is free, with a free-will offering accepted during the event.
The concert was relocated within the last five years to its current location on the west side of Lake Helen, providing additional space for growing crowds.
As recovery and setup efforts continued Saturday, organizers expressed confidence that the community’s volunteer spirit would help overcome the storm damage and allow the event to proceed for concertgoers arriving later in the day.
