Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival welcomes karaoke contest    

[AUG. 13, 2004]  The 2004 Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival will host a karaoke contest at the main stage of the Logan County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. The competition is open, with a "first come, first sing" policy. Lincoln karaoke jockey Margaret Rubenacker of TCB Karaoke will be the emcee. Grand prize is $200 and cash prizes will be awarded to three finalists. A "Mr./Ms. Karaoke" award will be presented to the contestant who most embodies the karaoke spirit.

Registration for the contest begins at noon and open competition will conclude at 2:30 pm. Judges will then select five finalists to do a "sing off" at 3 p.m.

"We're really looking forward to the competition," said Brooke Detmers of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. "It's new, it's fun, and we're expecting a great turnout."

Sponsored by Characters Pub, Budweiser and the Riverton Village Tap, the karaoke contest joins the bocce ball tournament as the new events featured on Saturday afternoon at the fairgrounds.

"These events really complement the Lions Club crafts and carnival wristband afternoon," said Bobbi Abbott, executive director of the chamber. "We want there to be something for everyone at the Art and Balloon Festival -- downtown will be hosting the art fair and the fairgrounds will feature good family entertainment."

Other main stage entertainment acts at the Logan County Fairgrounds include the Johnny Thompson Band, performing on Friday at 5 p.m., and Steely Pan, a Caribbean-style steel drum band that will play Saturday night at 5 p.m.

The Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival, which takes place Aug. 27-29, currently features over 40 hot-air balloons, two special-shape hot-air balloons and a juried art fair respected throughout the Midwest.

The Logan County Fairgrounds will host the balloon portion of the festival. Gate times are 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Evening admission fee is $2 per person with children under 5 free. From noon to 3:30 p.m. admission is free.

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28-29, downtown Lincoln features attractions including the 31st annual Art Fair, Main Street Lincoln's "The Art of Wine," a flea market in Scully Park, a classic car show and numerous other events that stretch for blocks.

The chamber is currently looking for volunteers to work the grounds, crew balloons and assist visitors at the festival. For more information regarding the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival or to volunteer, contact the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce at [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].

The Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival is organized by the Lincoln/Logan Chamber of Commerce with the support of local businesses and community volunteers. Lincoln is conveniently situated near several major highways and located approximately 30 miles north of Springfield and 170 miles south of Chicago. The city of Lincoln was named for Abraham Lincoln, and is home to several historical sites commemorating the 16th president.

[Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce
news release]