BIG, finalized Lincoln Sesquicentennial and
Art and Balloon Festival schedule released

Lincoln Sesquicentennial and Art and Balloon Festival brochures are out. They can be found in key locations all around town.

The brochures detail the completed lineup of activities planned, as well as maps, for Lincoln's BIG, BIG, BIG, 10-day celebration Aug. 21-31. Events are listed below.

Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival /
Sesquicentennial events

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Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival
Aug. 21-24

Lincoln Sesquicentennial
Aug. 21-31


Thursday, Aug. 21

3 p.m. -- Grand opening ceremony for the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival and Lincoln Sesquicentennial, with unveiling of the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Lincoln Christian College

8 a.m. - 7 p.m. -- Civil War and Underground Railroad quilts in the Logan County Courthouse rotunda, with a program at 6:30 p.m.

Underground Railroad display through Sept. 6 at Layman Gallery at Lincoln College

5:30 p.m. -- Festival kickoff party with free food and entertainment at Maple Ridge Care Centre, 2202 N. Kickapoo St.

6:30 p.m. -- Sneak preview flight for media representatives


Friday, Aug. 22

6:30 a.m. -- Landowners flight

8 a.m. - 7 p.m. -- Civil War and Underground Railroad quilts in the Logan County Courthouse rotunda

3-6 p.m. -- Flea market, antiques and collectibles in Scully Park, downtown Lincoln

4-10 p.m. -- Big "M" Amusements carnival, food concessions, petting zoo and Lions Club craft show at the Logan County Fairgrounds

5-6 p.m. -- The Modern Cowboyz at the Logan County Fairgrounds

6 p.m. -- Hot-air balloon launch at the Logan County Fairgrounds

Dusk -- Balloon night glow at the Logan County Fairgrounds

6-11 p.m. -- Beer garden and DJ music at Logan County Fairgrounds


Saturday, Aug. 23

6:30 a.m. -- Balloon launch at the Logan County Fairgrounds

8 a.m. -- 5K run, sponsored by Lincoln Park District, starting at Memorial Park

9 a.m. -- Lincoln Soap Box Downhillers event on South Kickapoo Street, four blocks south of the courthouse

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Heritage In Flight Museum open house
The museum is regularly open Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- Used book sale at Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St.

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Free airplane rides for youth
EAA Chapter 129 is hosting a Young Eagles event in conjunction with the Heritage In Flight Museum open house. Youth ages 8-17 can sign up at the HIF hangar for a free flight.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Introductory book sales of "This Is My Story" at Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society research center, 114 N. Chicago St.
The 470-page book documents stories about military veterans with connections to Logan County.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- 30th annual Lincoln Art Fair in Latham Park, downtown Lincoln

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- AdventureZone, Kickapoo at Pekin Street

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- Flea market, antiques and collectibles in Scully Park, downtown

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. -- Civil War and Underground Railroad quilts in the Logan County Courthouse rotunda

11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. -- The Art of Wine, downtown Lincoln

Noon -10 p.m. -- Big "M" Amusements carnival, food concessions, petting zoo and Lions Club Craft Show at the Logan County Fairgrounds

5-6 p.m. -- U.S. Navy Band (has been invited), Logan County Fairgrounds

6 p.m. -- Hot-air balloon launch at the Logan County Fairgrounds

Dusk -- Balloon night glow and fireworks at the Logan County Fairgrounds

6-11 p.m. -- Beer garden and DJ music at Logan County Fairgrounds


Sunday, Aug. 24

“Where It All Began” Day

6:45 a.m. -- Balloon fly-over, at Logan County Fairgrounds

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. -- Used book sale at Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- 30th annual Lincoln Art Fair in Latham Park, downtown Lincoln

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Flea market, antiques and collectibles in Scully Park, downtown

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- 1860s craft fair at Postville Courthouse, Fifth Street

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- AdventureZone, Kickapoo at Pekin Street

11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- The Art of Wine, downtown Lincoln

Noon - 3 p.m. -- Open house at Cutler-Hammer
(See announcement)

1-4 p.m. -- Civil War and Underground Railroad quilts in the Logan County Courthouse rotunda

1-4 p.m. -- Classic car cruise-in on the square in downtown Lincoln

4:30-8:30 p.m. -- 1830-1850s music at Postville Park

5 p.m. -- Dedication of the Abraham Lincoln well across from Postville Courthouse on Fifth Street

5:30 p.m. -- Sesquicentennial queen coronation at Postville Park, Fifth Street

6-9 p.m. -- Ice cream social at Postville Park, Fifth Street


Monday, Aug. 25

Lincoln Heritage Day

7-8:30 p.m. -- "An Evening with Abraham Lincoln in Logan County," with Paul Beaver and a panel of historians, at Lincoln College Johnston Center


Tuesday, Aug. 26

Business and Industry Day

Spotlight on business, with tours, promotions, open houses
Organized tours or open houses hosted at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital (3-6 p.m.), Weyerhaeuser, Precision Products, Friendship Manor, Key Printing, Russell Stover Candies, Union Planters Bank

1-3 p.m. -- Demonstration on wood carving by Deane McKinley at Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society research center, 114 N. Chicago St.
The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with historical displays, book sales and volunteers available for a quick research look-up.

6 p.m. -- 1860s baseball game, Ground Squirrels versus local sports standouts, at Lincoln Junior High School ball diamond


Wednesday, Aug. 27

Lincoln Founders Day

10 a.m. -- Town christening re-enactment and speeches, outside the train depot, downtown Lincoln

1-3 p.m. -- Demonstration on old-time rug hooking by Helen Fine at Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society research center, 114 N. Chicago St.
The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with historical displays, research and book sales.

7 p.m. -- Encore presentation of town christening re-enactment and speeches, outside the train depot, downtown Lincoln

7:30-9 p.m. -- 1850s-1860s music at Latham Park

7:30-9 p.m. -- Free watermelon feed at Latham Park, downtown Lincoln


Thursday, Aug. 28

Agriculture Day

7 a.m. - noon -- Farmer's market at Latham Park

1-3 p.m. -- Demonstration on china painting by Phyllis Vaughn Bryson at Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society research center, 114 N. Chicago St.
The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with historical displays, research and book sales.

5:30-7 p.m. -- Pork chop sandwich dinner, $5 per person, at Latham Park

6-7 p.m. -- Remote control car races in city parking lot across from Latham Park

7 p.m. -- Stories told by Brian Fox Ellis at Postville Courthouse
This is a family-oriented evening event. Ellis tells stories of Abraham Lincoln’s rise from Prairie State Rail-splitter to America’s favorite president, blending humor with fact.

7-9 p.m. -- New Salem Country Opry performance from the Latham Park bandstand


Friday, Aug. 29

Education Day

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- Campus and school tours

1-3 p.m. -- Oldies music played on the keyboard by Ed Gaffney at Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society research center, 114 N. Chicago St.
The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with historical displays, research and book sales.

5-11 p.m. -- Ethnic food festival at Scully Park

6 and 7 p.m. -- Stories told by Brian Fox Ellis at Scully Park
This is a family-oriented evening event. Ellis tells stories of Abraham Lincoln’s rise from Prairie State Rail-splitter to America’s favorite president, blending humor with fact.

5 p.m. - 1 a.m. -- Musical entertainment

5 p.m. -- King Karaoke, Karaoke Stage on Kickapoo south of the square

5-7:45 p.m. -- Stone County Ramblers playing bluegrass, Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

5:30-7:30 p.m. -- Don Smith Orchestra playing swing and big band music, Dance and Swing Stage, McLean and Broadway

7:30-8:30 p.m. -- American English in a Beatles tribute, Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

8:30-9:30 p.m. -- Don Smith Orchestra playing swing and big band music, Dance and Swing Stage, McLean and Broadway

8:30-9:45 p.m. -- Poprocks playing '70s-'90s pop rock, Rock Till Ya Drop Stage, Chicago and Pulaski

8:45-9:45 p.m. -- Hairbanger's Ball in an '80s Hairbands tribute, Partytown Stage, Sangamon and Broadway

9 p.m.-midnight -- Rockus with classic rock, Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

9:45-11 p.m. -- American English in a Beatles tribute, Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

11 p.m.-1 a.m. -- Poprocks playing '70s-'90s pop rock, Rock Till Ya Drop Stage, Chicago and Pulaski

11:15 p.m.-12:45 a.m. -- Hairbanger's Ball in an '80s Hairbands tribute, Partytown Stage, Sangamon and Broadway


Saturday, Aug. 30

Homecoming Day

9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. -- Sesquicentennial parade: “Pride in Our Past -- Faith in Our Future”; route from Postville Park on Fifth Street to downtown Lincoln

1 p.m. -- Community photograph in downtown Lincoln

1:30 p.m. -- "Private Ryan's Sergeant" portrayed by Dal Estes at Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society research center, 114 N. Chicago St.
The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2 p.m. -- Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln look-alike contests at Latham Park, downtown Lincoln

2 p.m. -- Brothers of the Brush and Sisters of the Swish contest winners at Latham Park, downtown Lincoln

2:30 p.m. -- Ladies' Civil War fashion show at Postville Courthouse

3 p.m. -- 33rd Infantry Band concert at Postville Courthouse

3-5 p.m. -- Union demonstration by 33rd Regimental Infantry Regiment, along with a Civil War encampment at Postville Park on Fifth Street

5-11 p.m. -- Ethnic food festival at Scully Park

6-9 p.m. -- Meet local celebrities in Latham Park

8 p.m. -- Civil War grand ball with music by the 33rd Infantry Band at the Elk's Lodge
(See related article, "Don't miss this fun opportunity.")

8-11 p.m. -- Battle of the bands, Latham Park
(See related article, "A 'battle of the bands' scheduled for teens.")

5 p.m. - 1 a.m. -- Musical entertainment

5 p.m. -- King Karaoke, Karaoke Stage on Kickapoo south of the square

5-7 p.m. -- Bobby Remack Band with swing and big bands, Dance and Swing Stage, McLean and Broadway

5-7:45 p.m. -- Rockus doing '50s and '60s songs, Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

7-8:15 p.m. -- Creagles with Credence Clearwater and Eagles tributes, Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

8:15-9:30 p.m. -- Bobby Remack Band with swing and big bands, Dance and Swing Stage, McLean and Broadway

8:15-9:30 p.m. -- Debbie Ross Band playing blues, Partytown Stage, Sangamon and Broadway

8:15-9:30 p.m. -- Imagine That with '60s-'90s Top 40 music, Rock Till Ya Drop Stage, Chicago and Pulaski

9 p.m.-midnight -- Greg Glick Band with blues rock, Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

9:30-11 p.m. -- Creagles with Credence Clearwater and Eagles tributes, Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

11 p.m.-1 a.m. -- Debbie Ross Band playing blues, Partytown Stage, Sangamon and Broadway

11 p.m.-1 a.m. -- Imagine That with '60s-'90s Top 40 music, Rock Till Ya Drop Stage, Chicago and Pulaski


Sunday, Aug. 31

Religious Day

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Fried chicken dinner at Lincoln Knights of Columbus Hall

Noon-4 p.m. -- Open house and tours at Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society research center, 114 N. Chicago St.

2-9 p.m. -- Musical entertainment

2-4 p.m. -- Phat Tuesday, a band from the Bloomington area, performing at Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

4:15-5:45 p.m. -- Slingshot 57 doing Christian rock at Christian Stage, McLean and Pulaski

6-7:30 p.m. -- Petra performing Christian rock at Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

6-9 p.m. -- Country Thunder performing country at Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

3 p.m. -- Community church service at Latham Park  (or, in case of rain, at Lincoln Christian Church)

7-8:30 p.m. -- Illinois Symphony Orchestra performance, McLean Street north of the square (or, in case of rain, at the Earl C Hargrove Chapel at Lincoln Christian College)


Ongoing displays and activities

Aug. 21-24, open 24 hours -- Replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary

Aug. 21-31 -- Underground Railroad display in the Logan County Courthouse

Aug. 21-31 -- Sesquicentennial displays in store windows downtown

Aug. 21-31 -- Sesquicentennial headquarters and temporary museum at 121 Sangamon St. (State Bank of Lincoln branch location)

Aug. 21-31 -- "Who Let The Dogs Out" display in downtown Lincoln

Aug. 21-31 -- Children's activities, including the YMCA's AdventureZone

Aug. 23, 26-31 -- Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society open house at 114 N. Chicago St.

Through Sept. 6 -- Underground Railroad display at Layman Gallery, Lincoln College


Festival information elsewhere

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