In 1990, the founders of the Saengerfest changed the name of the organization to Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival, Inc. The focus became to create an event celebrating all ethnic cultures of the area. On July 24, 1991, the first annual Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival was held on the streets of Downtown Grand Island.

The festival focuses attention on the contributions of the diverse and unique peoples of Nebraska in a fun-filled environment. The festival provides a positive experience where education and entertainment intermingle, and all can share their cultures, learning and growing together. One of the comments heard frequently after the initial festival was that this was the first opportunity for many people to meet others from a culture different than their own.