Septemberfest a labor of love for Moore

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100906/NEWS02/709069951

By Jane Palmer
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Terry L. Moore, the metro region's iconic leader of organized labor, is busy organizing again.

Septemberfest, the annual salute to labor, is one of his special interests. He has been organizing the annual Labor Day weekend festival in downtown Omaha since it started 34 years ago. This year it is again set up — through Monday — outside the Qwest Center Omaha.

Proceeds from the festival have supported such community projects as the Omaha Area Food Bank and a shelter for battered women.

“I put a lot of energy into Septemberfest because there are so many people who can't afford to take a vacation,” Moore said. “The gate is at $3. Then you get in and all the musical shows are free. There are strolling performers, magic acts and circus acts. All free. You can buy an armband for ($31 at the gate) and ride as many rides as you want, every day.”

Moore takes particular pride in the festival parade downtown at 10 a.m. on Labor Day. There are helium balloons like those in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and hundreds of labor union members march with family members, military groups, bands and community organizations.

Moore is 67 and an Omaha native. He has been the president of the Omaha Federation of Labor AFL-CIO since 1976 and he serves unions in Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, Burt and Cass Counties.

FULL story and photo at link.