1. THE ART. Stroll through Latham Park and return home
with a treasured piece of art for your home, yard or wardrobe. With
the wide assortment of paintings, carvings, sculpture, jewelry and
pottery, there is absolutely something for everyone. Start a family
tradition and collect one piece every year!
2. THE HOT-AIR BALLOONS. Don't just settle for viewing
the balloons from your backyard or in your car by the side of the
road. The sport of hot-air ballooning can be appreciated at its best
up close! You'll hear the fans blow and watch the flames shoot into
the "envelope" as the balloons transform from a piece of fabric on
the ground to a beautiful floating sphere! Don't forget to grab a
cup of coffee and come to the airport early Saturday and Sunday for
the "fly-ins." Admission to the airport is free for the morning
entertainment as pilots maneuver their balloons toward a target.
3. THE FOOD. Oh yeah, the food. French fries with
vinegar, corn dogs, kettle corn, walleye sandwiches, lemonade
shake-ups -- these are just a few of the tempting selections from
the food vendors! It's a feast for the senses as you smell the
sizzling kabobs, the freshly popped corn, the sugared elephant ears
and the pizza fresh out of the ovens. This is a great time to
satisfy those end-of-the summer cravings!
4. THE MUSIC. The Blue Skies Beer & Wine Garden at the
airport will feature live entertainment from 7 to 10 p.m. Tap your
feet to classic and Southern rock and blues by Vintage Daze on
Friday as they play "all the songs you forgot you loved. " Then on
Saturday night, the hot and popular Hip Pocket rhythm and blues band
will play music reminiscent of the late '60s and early '70s, such as
Joe Walsh, Steely Dan and Bruce Hornsby.
5. THE DISPLAYS. Name your passion! Aircraft? Visit the
Heritage In Flight Museum, the aircraft displays and the special
exhibits at the airport. Cars? Take a stroll around the courthouse
square during the Saturday and Sunday car shows to admire the
vintage cars and remember the cars of earlier decades.
[to top of second column]
|
6. THE THRILLS. Watch the U.S. Army Silver Wings paratroopers
in action over the airport. Cheer for your favorite bocce ball
team. Ride the Ferris wheel and become a kid again. Take the
grandkids on a pony ride or to the rock-climbing wall. And for
ultimate thrill seekers, plan to finally take that hot-air balloon
or helicopter ride!
7. THE HISTORY. Go back in time during Postville Courthouse's
1800s fair. You'll witness demonstrations of the crafts and trades
of the early pioneers -- the candle-dippers, blacksmiths,
papermakers, coopers and carvers. Take a tour of the historic
courthouse and enjoy period music on the shady grounds. (Related
article today)
8. THE STUFF. You never know what will catch your eye at the
flea market and collectibles show in Scully Park. Perhaps you'll
find a set of Abraham and Mary Lincoln salt and pepper shakers or a
similar one-of-a-kind treasure! Pick up a great novel at the
library's book sale. Or shop Artisan Avenue at the airport, where
talented crafters are selling handmade wares -- jewelry, purses,
woodcrafts and more.
9. THE PEOPLE. It's always an unexpected pleasure during the
festival weekend as you run into former residents, old classmates or
co-workers, friends you haven't seen for ages, and assorted family
members. Take time to sip a glass of wine under the Art of Wine
tent. Buy an old friend a beer in the airport's beer garden. Get to
know the artist or the hot-air balloon pilot or the food vendor.
Reward a festival volunteer with a smile, a pat on the back or a
"job well done."
10. THE MEMORIES. It's been said that "the circumstances of
life are not disappearing ink. Children's minds are like computer
disks, constantly recording information. Who knows which memories
will be erased and which will be indelibly etched in their minds?"
From the many, many stories we hear, it seems that the Lincoln Art &
Balloon Festival one of those experiences that not only lives on
through beautiful photographs, but as warm memories that last a
lifetime.
[Text from file received from
Annette Chapman, special events coordinator,
Lincoln/Logan County
Chamber of Commerce] |