Art and Balloon Festival graced with near-perfect weather     Send a link to a friend 

[AUG. 23, 2003]  Nowhere could be better than Lincoln, Ill., on this weekend. The smiles on everyone's faces prove it. Thousands of visitors are filling the downtown and county fair areas for the 15th annual balloon fest and 30th annual art fest.  These two main events are combined with the kickoff of Lincoln's Sesquicentennial and an added attraction, The Art of Wine. 

Numerous children's activities are being offered, including downhill soap box derby, kids' adventure zone in the downtown area, and a petting zoo and carnival at the fairgrounds. 

 Many other activities are coinciding, ranging from the annual book sale at Lincoln Public Library to an arts and crafts sale and a flea market. [See schedule for complete listing and details.]

 Weather always plays a major factor in the success of the event. This year it is perfect. Spirits are high for those who work so hard all year long in preparation for the big event. 

 

[to top of second column in this article]

The balloon flights have all launched, and Friday evening's glow attracted record crowds. 

 The milder-than-usual weather has been good for today's downtown activities too. Leisurely crowds filled the downtown streets. 

Eighty artists employing every medium have their wares displayed for the most discriminating collector at the art fair. Kathie Elliott said that the art coordinators are particularly pleased to have two blown-glass artists and two pottery producers who use a new unique finish called racu.

The near-perfect weather is expected to continue to the festival end.

[Jan Youngquist]

< Tourism index

Back to top


 

News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries

Community | Perspectives | Law & Courts | Leisure Time | Spiritual Life | Health & Fitness | Teen Scene
Calendar | Letters to the Editor