Weekend heat can’t stop the Balloons Over 66 fun events downtown

[September 02, 2021]   All of last week the central part of the state was under high heat warnings as temperatures maintained above 90 degrees and heat indices exceed 104 degrees on multiple days.

That same intense heat carried into Friday and Saturday at the Balloons Over 66 weekend. Even so, those who had planned and organized outdoor events in downtown Lincoln were not deterred.

On the southeast corner of the Logan County Courthouse Square, Dock Dogs came in for competitions on Friday and Saturday afternoons. The crowds love the Dock Dogs events and turned out to watch as the canines leapt in to a large pool of water doing retrieval exercises for jump distance, jump height, and the time it takes to swim the pool, grab a buoy and swim back to the trainer.

Spectators sought shade under tents provided by Dock Dogs as well as some of the more mature trees on the lawn. A sprinkler was also set up on the street on Saturday and some took advantage of the water for a quick cool down.

Up the street from the Dock Dogs, the Lincoln Arts Institute was a busy place on Saturday.

Guests came in to the gallery for a leisurely look at the “Just Imagine” art exhibit and a chance to cool down in an air conditioned environment.

Outside the gallery was hosting an art show similar to what we used to find at Arts in the Park. Several artists were on hand with large displays of work for viewing and for sale.

Also at the art show was an interactive project courtesy of local artist and Arts Institute owner Jason Hoffman.

Hoffman has started a large painting to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001. The painting will be on display on the anniversary day during a special event at the Lincoln Heritage Museum.

Visitors to the art show on Saturday were invited to add their own personal touch to the painting with assistance as needed from Hoffman.

On Broadway Street, a collection of classic cars began arriving around 4 p.m. on Saturday evening. The cars were there at the invitation of the event organizers and were once again a throwback to what used to be when the cars filled two to three sides of the square during festival weekend.

Downtown businesses were open, and many were hosting sidewalk sales for visitors to the community.

At Abe’s on North Kickapoo, Nancy Gooding was signing copies of her newest book, “Seduction of a Minor God.” The book is number four in a series of stories about a fictional family set during and after the Civil War. Gooding had all four books available for sale and was happy to sign them all for buyers.

Also on Saturday downtown was the Up in Smoke Backyard Barbecue competition. Read more about that competition in today’s edition of Lincoln Daily News.

[Nila Smith]