Remembering the Habitat Omaha Barn Dance

For more than three decades, the Habitat Barn Dance — formerly known as the Habitat Square Dance — brought together music lovers, dancers, volunteers, and supporters in the spirit of community and generosity.

From 1994 through 2022, this cherished annual event raised about $37,000 in support of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, helping strengthen our mission of building safe, affordable homes.

At the heart of the Barn Dance was the Rivertown String Band, whose musicians generously donated their time and talent for 31 years simply for the love of playing and giving back. The band was recognized for its efforts in 2008 when the group was named Habitat for Humanity Volunteer of the Year.

Longtime volunteer Anne Carroll, who was Habitat Omaha’s treasurer when the event started, made more than 3,000 cookies to benefit the dancers and the organization.

As life circumstances shift, this beloved event has now reached its natural conclusion. While the Habitat Barn Dance has been retired, its legacy lives on in the homes built, the friendships formed and the community strengthened through decades of share effort.