After the balloon launch at the Logan County Airport Friday evening, while pilots away from the airport were packing their balloons up and making their way back, the three special shape balloons arrived on the scene. This year the Lincoln Balloon Festival features Tom and Terry sponsored by the city of Lincoln, and Humpty Dumpty sponsored by the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. The large crowd in attendance was delighted to see the special shapes inflate for the glow.

Nancy Gianni, the founder of Gigi's Playhouse, talks to reporters Friday evening at the Lincoln Balloon Festival social hour. Gigi's Playhouse chose the balloon festival as the best time and location to roll out a new mobile program designed to offer entertaining and educational programs for special needs children and their families. Gigi's is working with Lincoln resident Natalie Marquez, founder of the Downs Syndrome Advocacy Group of Central Illinois, to bring these valuable programs to this region via the mobile programs.

At the airport today, there will be a variety of programs and workshops put on by Gigi's.

Photo by Nila Smith     (Click on image for larger version)