Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting 48th Annual Festival kicks off with a ribbon cut

 

[September 18, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

On Saturday morning the 48th Annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival began with a ribbon cut in front of the Postville Courthouse in Lincoln. The ribbon cut was led by the LDN Ribbon Cut Crew of Karen Hargis, Roy Logan and Nila Smith.

Joining in the cut were representatives from the Festival including founding committee member and first Vice President, Darius Knauer; second Vice President and Festival Chairman Bob Rankin and Association President Darlene Begolka. The Association officers were joined by some of the folks who were participating in live reenactments and 1800’s life demonstrations around the courthouse lawn. Also in attendance was Logan County Fair Royalty - Queen Molly Schempp, Junior Miss Julia Collins and Little Miss Kylee Fulk. Ward One Alderman Tracy Welch was on hand filling in for Mayor Seth Goodman. Ward Two Alderman Ron Fleshman, former Chamber Ambassador Marcia Cook and her sister Mandy Cordray, who was an exhibitor at Postville Park, Morgan Gleason of the Logan County Tourism Bureau, and Geoff Ladd of the Route 66 Scenic Byway were also on hand.

The morning began with Smith as acting emcee welcoming everyone to the opening ceremonies for the 48th Railsplitting Festival. She asked that everyone offer a big round of applause to the Festival Committee for 48 years of annual events.

Smith mentioned that the longevity of the festival was due in part to multiple generations within the festival committee. Begolka is a second generation member. Bob Rankin is also a second generation member and his daughter Heidi Mueller is now a third generation member.

Smith went on to acknowledge the local royalty, Alderman Welch and others.

Tourism Director Gleason was introduced and she thanked all the dedicated volunteers who work so hard to put on the festival each year. She said the annual festival is an asset to Logan County tourism and an important part of our community.

Smith noted that Postville Courthouse is one of the few places where Abraham Lincoln and Route 66 meet. The Courthouse is recognized as a Route 66 attraction and of course, Abraham Lincoln practiced law in the courthouse. She said it was only fitting that the group should hear from a representative of Route 66, and that would be Geoff Ladd of the Route 66 Scenic Byways.

Ladd began by saying that the only section of any state throughout the Route 66 trail that also offers a glimpse at Abraham Lincoln is right here in central Illinois. He said that he had “taken his cue” of paring Lincoln and Route 66 together from the late Shirley Bartlemay, who for many years was a champion for the Postville Courthouse.

Ladd also commented on the longevity of the festival noting that the average life span of a festival is five years, so to see a festival continue on for 48 years was a remarkable feat.

Ladd also took a moment to mention the activities going on at the Mill on Route 66 Museum on this day. He noted that Salt Creek ABATE would host their annual motorcycle show, there would be live entertainment and the museum world be open to visitors.

Smith then introduced Darius Knauer thanking him for the role he played in the formation of the Railsplitter Association and the festival. Knauer spoke about the upcoming 50th. He said it was already on his mind, and thinking about plans for the 50th there are things in the works, such as inviting the many people who were there at the beginning and throughout the history of the festival back for a really great Festival Reunion.

Bob Rankin was called on next to speak and he sent out a call to ‘younger people’ to get involved with the association. He said that the future of the festival is going to rely on a new generation of people taking interest and investing in the festival, so he was hopeful that those young people would step up and help keep the festival going for years to come.

Rankin also thanked everyone for coming to the opening ceremony.

Darlene Begolka spoke next reminding everyone that there were plenty of activities around the Fifth Street area including a Vendor Market at the VFW and food being sold in the three Railsplitter locations.

She then said, “And let the festival begin.”

The last person to speak was Welch. On behalf of the mayor and city of Lincoln he wanted to congratulate the Association on their 48 years. He wished the best of luck to the competitors of the various events, and hoped that all the visitors would have a good time.

The group then stood for posed pictures, then with the three-two-one-snip, Welch and Begolka cut the ribbon and the festival was official.

[Nila Smith]