Thursday evening there were several activities going on all around the city of Lincoln as the unofficial beginning of the 2011 Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival arrived.

Uptown barbecuers were moving in with their campers and cookers; artists were designing wonderful masterpieces on the sidewalks of the square; there was a media night going on at the Logan County Airport; and Maple Ridge Care Centre was once again hosting an evening of terrific music and really good food.

The line for the free dinner formed on the south side of the care facility, and guests made their way through into the main dining area, where Maple Ridge staff served up pulled-pork sandwiches, baked beans, macaroni salad and chips. There were also a variety of sweets to choose from, cold drinks, and outside there were free snow cones and cotton candy.

The Don Smith Orchestra was set up outside under the big top, and guests dined to vintage music and took the opportunity to visit with friends along the way.

Pictures by Nila Smith

A cotton candy appetizer before dinner.

Some chose to dine inside in the air-conditioned comfort.

Maple Ridge staff form an assembly line to plate up food.

Contemplating the cherry cheesecake.

The snow cones were a big hit for all ages.

Cotton candy was also a favorite.

Don Smith serenades the diners.

After dinner, some chose to take their lawn chairs to the shade and just sit a spell, enjoying the music.

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