'Up in Smoke on the Square' coming to art and balloon fest

[January 26, 2011]  The Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a new addition to the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival. "Up in Smoke on the Square," a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned cook-off event in downtown Lincoln, will take place on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and 27, during the festival. The barbecue contest will bring over 30 competitors from all over the country to the community to compete.

The chamber believes the addition of the barbecue will enhance the festival and offer another great downtown activity.

The addition of "Up in Smoke on the Square" fits into the chamber's commitment to grow the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival by creating a park-to-park corridor of activities. The chamber is looking to provide events to engage guests of all ages and give visitors a full schedule of activities to enjoy all weekend long. This event will also bring a national component to the festival. Partnering with the local barbecue committee to help bring the event to fruition is broadening the chamber's reach in the community.

In preparation for the barbecue contest, there will be a judging class on April 30 at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Individuals interested in attending the class should sign up as soon as possible, as space is limited to 35. Registration for the class is $55 for Kansas City Barbeque Society members and $90 for nonmembers. The registration fee includes a one-year membership in the KCBS. If you are interested in the class, you may call the chamber office at 217-735-2385 to sign up or visit www.lincolnbbq.com for a registration form. Upon completion of the class, you will be certified to judge at contests sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society all across the county.

The chamber of commerce is always open to new events and partnerships that enhance the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival and showcase the community. Additions to the festival serve two purposes by entertaining festival patrons and generating revenue for local businesses.

The economic impact on Logan County during the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival is far-reaching by filling our hotels, restaurants and shops. Many not-for-profit organizations host annual fundraisers during the festival weekend, cashing in with the additional visitors in the community to raise funds for their organizations.

The Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival and the "Up in Smoke on the Square" barbecue contest are part of the chamber's mission to advocate for business by providing leadership programs and services that create, protect and enhance the business environment for the benefit of chamber members, Lincoln and Logan County.

[Text from file received from the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce]