Monday, August 13, 2007
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Top 10 reasons to attend the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival           Send a link to a friend

[August 13, 2007]  The Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival is coming up Aug. 24, 25 and 26. Here are 10 good reasons to attend.

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.

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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]

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