International Omaha Announces Elkhorn South High School Student as Winner of 2016 Omaha Steaks National Anthem Contest

The Omaha Equestrian Foundation (OEF) and Omaha Steaks announced that Allyson Henry, a sophomore at Elkhorn South High School, was selected as the winner of the 2016 Omaha Steaks National Anthem Contest. A record number of entries were submitted for the contest from talented high school soloists, duets and choir groups for the amazing opportunity to perform at the International Omaha, the only international jumping and dressage competition held in the Midwest, May 5-7, 2016. 

Allyson will sing the National Anthem during the Omaha Steaks Opening Ceremonies at the Burlington Capital International Omaha Grand Prix horse jumping competition on Saturday, May 7 and will receive a $1,000 scholarship to any college of her choice. Allyson's family, including parents Steve and Carolyn, will receive complimentary tickets to enjoy her performance. 

"My choir director, Mr. Lambert, told my mom about the contest during a conference and my mom then encouraged me to enter," explained Allyson, when asked how she found out about the Omaha Steaks Anthem Contest. Having enjoyed singing since she was very young, Allyson participates in concert choir at Elkhorn South and plays piano. This is the first singing contest that Allyson has entered. 

"We would like to congratulate Allyson for winning the 2016 Omaha Steaks National Anthem Contest," said Kelsey Bugjo, Public Relations and Corporate Communications Director for Omaha Steaks. "We received a record number of excellent entries and it was a tough decision to select just one winner. Allyson's entry really stood out from the rest and we look forward to hearing her sing the National Anthem during the opening of the evening performance on Saturday, May 7th at the International Omaha!" 

Entering the 2016 Omaha Steaks National Anthem Contest was easy as applicants were able to submit their entry online with uploaded music files/video via YouTube or by mail with a written entry form and flash drive. A panel of judges reviewed all of the submissions and applicants were notified of their status by email. 

International Omaha is a world-class equestrian jumping and dressage experience, combining high-level, intense competition featuring top national and international riders who have competed in the Olympic Games, FEI World Cup™ and Pan American Games. In addition to watching top-rated horses jump astounding obstacles and dressage horses "dance", attendees will be treated to a variety of entertainment presentations, interactive activities and shopping opportunities in the Lexus Boutique and Expo Area that make the International Omaha a total equestrian experience for all ages. There is no admission charge for those attending daytime competition, exhibits, shopping booths and other entertainment, and special exhibitions, music, food and drink will be featured throughout the day. 

The 2016 International Omaha is the prelude to the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final and FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final, which will be hosted at the CenturyLink Center on March 29-April 2, 2017. The FEI World Cup™ Finals are an annual indoor Championship competition among the world's best jumping and dressage horses and riders. For more information, please visit www.omahaworldcup2017.com 

International Omaha tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets also may be purchased in person at the CenturyLink Center Omaha Box Office. There is no admission charge to see the daytime competition. 

The International Omaha is produced by the Omaha Equestrian Foundation (OEF), a certified 501(c)3 not-for-profit foundation. The focus of this foundation is to foster and develop international caliber athletes within equestrian sport and to support and educate the local community in the process. The International is not just an incredible equestrian competition, but also provides educational opportunities for emerging athletes as well as the general public. Since 2013, The Omaha Equestrian Foundation has donated tickets to local charities and created field trips for over thousands of elementary school students, veterans and local military families. 

For more information about Omaha Steaks, visit www.omahasteaks.com. For more information about the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, visit www.OmahaEquestrian.com or call 402-444-1630. For more information about the International Omaha, visit www.InternationalOmaha.com. For more information at the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals, visit www.OmahaWorldCup2017.com. 

Omaha Steaks announced today the opening of a new store at the West Hartford Center in West Hartford, Conn. It's the second Omaha Steaks store in Connecticut, joining the location in South Windsor. Omaha Steaks now operates 70 store locations in 26 states. 

"We are excited to open our newest store in West Hartford, Connecticut," said Senior Vice President and family owner, Todd Simon. "With the success of our store in South Windsor, it only made sense to open another in Connecticut, and bring the mouth-watering taste of great Omaha Steaks to West Hartford." 

As part of the grand opening celebration today, Omaha Steaks is offering 50 percent off all regular prices, and the first 500 guests will receive a free bag of Omaha Steaks Beef Jerky. Guests can also register to win a $1,000 Omaha Steaks gift card. 

For more information or to find the store nearest you, visit www.OmahaSteaks.com/info/Retail-Store-Locations.