Third Friday downtown Lincoln brings folks together for an evening of fun, games, music and food

[July 30, 2018]   LINCOLN - The cooler temperatures Friday evening may have played a small part in the large turnout at the Third Friday Downtown Lincoln July event. But more than likely, the crowd was brought in by the promise of tons of fun, good music, lots of food, and plenty to see and do around the historic Logan County Courthouse Square.

Highlighting the evening were four-wheel peddle go-carts that many of the 'tweens and older youngsters enjoyed driving around an obstacle course, a number of inflatables, giant games, and an open fire hydrant set up to spray an arc of water for kids to run into and play under. Though it was cooler, the water proved to be a very popular event.

Another interesting offering this month was provided by local artist Jason Hoffman. Hoffman is a member of the Logan County Arts. Later this fall the LCA will host an art exhibit at the Lincoln Art Institute with a theme of “Collaboration.” Hoffman sat up an easel and canvas and provided paint. Anyone who wished, was then allowed to put their special touch on the canvas, creating an artwork that will be displayed during the fall show.

Danny Tackett’s Chicken Pickin’ Orchestra was a crowd pleaser as many people gathered around the band taking a seat provided by the city or bringing their own lawn chairs and settling in for the evening. Fun to watch was one group of youngsters who decided the band was playing the perfect music for some dancing.

Guests got a double dose of entertainment as the kids did their own version of Do-si-do on the streets of Lincoln.

Food offerings this month were quite plentiful as all the eateries around the square provided some specials varying from hamburgers and cheeseburgers to pizza and more.  Guesthouse was selling root beer floats and many visitors to the downtown event were seen enjoying the sweet treat.

The cotton candy provided by the Christian Village was a hit and other offerings included snow cones and ice pops.

The bags tournament was also well attended with several folks taking advantage of the mini tournament, perhaps to practice up for other events coming up in the next couple of months.

All in all, it was a great evening in downtown Lincoln, with lots of people, all happy and smiling as they made the rounds from one offering to the next, and on occasion stopped to visit with friends and neighbors.

The next Third Friday evening will be held on August 17th. If you’ve not been out yet, mark your calendars, and make plans to join in the fun next month.

[Nila Smith with photos by Mitch Douglas]