OMAHA, Neb. —

For nearly 50 years, Native Omaha Days has been bringing Omahans — past and present — together to celebrate their community.

But event organizers say the economic impact of the celebration is sometimes overlooked.

"Every two years, it's a big city family reunion. That's what it really is," said Jermaine Ballard, owner and operator of Level Event Center.

A record number of people flooding North Omaha for a decades-old tradition .

"We had about 17 to 20,000 that actually were here to celebrate Native Omaha Days," said Kimberly Sherrod-Barnes, the president of the Native Omahans Club.

Sherrod-Barnes said it's too early to gauge just how much revenue the celebration brought in, but said the number is likely over $3 million.

"Just the ability to navigate and spend money w

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