Weekend getaway at Lincoln's Art & Balloon Festival

Spend an exciting weekend in Lincoln, IL

[August 20, 2012]  The Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival, which started as a humble art fair, has expanded over the last 39 years to include a juried Fine Art Fair, a craft fair, a flea market, a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned barbecue competition, a wine-tasting event known as The Art of Wine, and let's not forget the beautiful hot air balloons. Friday, Saturday and Sunday approximately 15,000 people, 33 balloonists, 50 flea marketers, 55 crafters and 70 fine artists will come and take in the attractions of this small historic city located 30 miles north of Springfield along Interstate 55. The city is also located along the famous Route 66, which of course mandates that the event have a car show around the downtown square.

Historically, Lincoln, Ill., (population 14,504) is the only town named for Abraham Lincoln prior to his becoming president. His law practice from 1847 to 1859 included Lincoln. He assisted with the platting of the town and also served as counsel for the railroad, which led to the founding of the town. On Aug. 27, 1853, Lincoln was asked to participate in a naming ceremony in which he broke open a watermelon and squeezed the juice onto the ground.

Local residents take great pride in their beginnings as can be seen in the historic downtown square, brick streets and the chamber of commerce's "Melon Car."

As a weekend getaway, the annual Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival presents a perfect time to take in the city of Lincoln. Those trying to complete their "bucket list" can register for a private balloon ride or buy tickets at the festival to go for a tethered balloon ride. The Fine Art Fair hosts a diverse group of artists, including glass, textiles, pottery, wood, folk art and much more. The KCBS-sanctioned "Up in Smoke on the Square" competition will feature barbecue competitors from all over and is sure to be a tasty event. There is nothing like the sweet and spicy aroma of barbecue in the wind to make people's mouths water. The festival will also feature carnival rides, an array of food venders, street entertainers and several bands performing throughout the weekend.

For more information about this event, visit the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce website at www.lincolnillinois.com or call 1-217-735-2385. Information is also available from Logan County tourism at 1-217-732-8687 and on the tourism bureau's website at www.tourlogancounty.com.

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