[MAY 23, 2006] ATLANTA -- Do you like hot dogs? Do you like
fun? If so, come out to historic Atlanta over the weekend, May
26-28, to enjoy the first Happy Wiener Fest! This festival, whose
name is taken from Atlanta's wiener-toting Paul Bunyan statue and
the smiley face water tower, will celebrate not only its namesakes
but also Route 66.
Spectators will enjoy a variety of musical entertainment, including
Professor John and the Chicago Swamp Band on Friday evening and
Elvis Himselvis, aka Rick Dunham, on Saturday evening. If food is
more your style, there will be a chuck wagon-style wiener cook-off
as well as numerous food vendors and community meals. Enjoy fun and
games and also arts and crafts booths for a little shopping.
But
wait -- there's more! On Saturday morning, the city of Atlanta and
the Route 66 Heritage Project will present the Stephens family, who
loaned the Bunyan statue to the city of Atlanta, with the Route 66
Preservation Award. A cruise-in will also be on Saturday in this
historic Route 66 community.
On Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. is the Big Kids Toys event. Have you
ever wanted to ride in a hot-air balloon? How about a Bigfoot or a
1940 Plymouth? If the answer is yes, then don't miss this one! Big
Kids Toys will feature approximately 20 unique and exciting vehicles
in which people will be able to take rides or have their pictures
taken. Vehicles include everything from tethered balloons to
motorcycles with sidecars to police cars and firetrucks. Tickets
will cost $10 for eight rides or $2 per individual ride. This
fundraising event will benefit the Atlanta Library's Downey building
project and is sponsored by the Friends of the Atlanta Library and
Museum.
Also on Sunday is a Black Hawk helicopter fly-in, and there will
be a community church service Sunday evening. Row Motors of Lincoln
will have Dodge trucks on display for the weekend, and the National
Guard will have a tent and Humvee on display as well.
There is something for everyone at Happy Wiener Fest, including
plenty of hot dogs and happy people! The fun starts on Friday and
will continue until Sunday. Atlanta is located midway between
Bloomington and Springfield on Interstate 55 in Logan County.
If you're interested in joining the fun as a vendor or crafter,
limited spaces are still available. Please contact Bill Martin at
(217) 648-2351 or visit
www.happywienerfest.com.
