Balloons Over 66

Oasis Fundraiser and Craft and Vendor Fair

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[August 29, 2023]   The Oasis Senior Center hosted a Brats and Corn Feed Fundraiser and a Craft and Vendor Fair on Saturday as part of the Balloons Over 66 weekend.

The Brats and Corn Fundraiser is one of several fundraisers that the Oasis holds throughout the year to support the senior center. The Oasis is one of very few senior centers in Illinois that is fully supported by fundraisers, donations, and grants with no monetary support coming from the government. For Saturday’s fundraiser, Jim Xamis donated the corn and others donated money to purchase additional food items to sell to the public for lunch. Oasis members sold the food at the shed behind the center, where a covered seating area was set up and a musician entertained the lunchtime audience, playing many songs with a connection to Abraham Lincoln.

Also on Saturday, dozens of vendors lined the walking track at the back of the Oasis. A variety of merchandise was available for sale, everything from jewelry to crocheted toys to freeze-dried candy.

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Unfortunately, a forecasted afternoon storm compelled vendors to begin packing up several hours earlier than planned. The vendors were not taking any chances after Friday evening’s storm blew through Lincoln unexpectedly and caught downtown art vendors by surprise; many of them sustained damage to their tents and some artwork was even damaged. Though the blustery weather led to some disappointment on Saturday, anyone who spent time outside in the heat and humidity over the weekend will be rejoicing in the more comfortable temperatures the cool front brought with it.

[Stephanie Hall]

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