[AUG. 24, 2005] It's almost here! This year's balloon festival
has taken on new challenges for event organizers, who began working
as soon as last year's festival was over. The festival had once
again outgrown its location, and it was time to look for a new place
with more room, easy access and utilities -- not an easy challenge.
But they did it, and the bigger festival promises to be more fun
than ever.
The Logan County Airport was chosen. The move to the northeast edge
of Lincoln will afford more room for everything and everyone. There
will be a better view and room to see more of those magnificent,
colorful, lighter-than-air aircraft at one time.
All of the usual attractions that were at the Logan County
Fairgrounds will make the hop over to the airport, and there will be
some additional attractions and activities.
The weekend of fun begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday with an early
kickoff at Maple Ridge Care Centre, located near the end of North
Kickapoo Street. Those who come early enough will see a sampling of
the balloons as they fly over the grounds.
The festival will kick into full gear on Friday evening when
flights and activities begin at 4 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. at the
airport. In addition to the late afternoon flights, there will be
evening glows by which you can enjoy food, carnival rides, music and
the beer garden. With the move comes the added attraction of the
Heritage In Flight Museum and its outdoor static displays. The craft
show will be open as well.
Saturday activities at the airport include all of the above, as
well as a return of last year's popular bocce ball tournament,
bingo, the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club and a Lincoln Speedway
"Pit Stop."
Planners have made getting in and out of the airport grounds
easy. Two gates have been added that provide entry to the north end
of the airport grounds. Lots of parking is provided there. There
will be a one-way traffic pattern on Airport Road running west to
east from Kickapoo Street to 1400th Avenue.
For those coming to the airport from town, Airport Road is on the
right, just past Maple Ridge. Once on Airport Road, motorists will
be directed to keep going straight past the main airport entry. Just
beyond that point are the two gates. The first gate is the entrance.
The second gate is to exit.
Exiting traffic will continue to travel eastward. At the next
corner motorists will turn left to go to Business 55 or turn right
to go to Route10 and back to town.
