Downtown Omaha hosted a pole vault party Thursday.

The Omaha Sports Commission held the Capitol District Pole Vault competition, which will brought 30 competitors — women and men — from across the country.

Competitors came from professional, university, and high school ranks, according to a news release issued Wednesday.

The day began with a youth clinic, followed by the high school competition. The university and elite athletes were scheduled to compete from 6 to 8 p.m.

Among the big-name participants were Concordia’s Josie Putz, 2021 NAIA outdoor pole vault champ; Zach Bradford, an All-American jumper from the University of Kansas; and Ethan Bray, a former All-American vaulter and University of South Dakota alum.

The annual event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 precautions. Organizers say the cancellation only raised the bar on the excitement level.