Although there was no balloon festival in Lincoln
this year, there are definitely big plans for the event to come back
in its old glory on the fourth weekend of August in 2019. Mark your
calendars! The event this community has come to know and love will
make its grand return on the weekend of August 24, 2019!
A group of local balloon enthusiasts have come together with a
vision of bringing the festival back to the community. Not only do
these balloon enthusiasts want to see the balloon festival simply
come back; they want to see it come back in a way that brings the
community together…. giving ownership of the festival to its local
businesses and organizations.
The newly formed organization named Lincoln Partnership for STEM has
taken the charge of bringing the beautiful hot air balloons to the
event. Organization members have been in discussion with pilots of
the beloved balloons in order to come up with the best plan possible
to ensure the safety of the pilots, entertainment for the
spectators, and compliance with local officials.
Plans are still in the works and logistics are still
to be determined, but the vision is to have balloons launching from
multiple locations in and around the city of Lincoln. The multiple
launch sites will ensure citizens of Lincoln and Logan County will
be able to see and enjoy the sights of the balloons throughout town,
no matter which way the wind blows.
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In addition to the hot air balloons making a comeback, the Oasis
Senior Center will be adding their craft fair and flea market to the traditional
weekend in August. This will be in addition to their event held during the Pigs
and Swigs Festival weekend in June. Pending county approval, spectators and
shoppers will be able to enjoy the market provided by the Oasis Senior Center in
Scully Park.
A goal of these balloon enthusiasts is to also bring an art fair back to Latham
Park. Local businesses, groups, and organizations will be working together to
come up with the best plan possible to make this happen. Other ideas for
entertainment and family activities are being discussed, keeping in mind that
most items would need to be approved by local city and/or county officials.
More information regarding event details and sponsorship opportunities is still
to come. Community members willing to help are urged to send an email to
lincolnballoonfest@gmail.com.
Emails will be routed to the organization in which the community member wishes
to lend a helping hand.
[Cara Lohrenz]
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