Art and Balloon Festival graced with
near-perfect weather
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[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.
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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.
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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]
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