|
 Joining in the cut were representatives from the
Festival including founding committee member and first Vice
President, Darius Knauer; second Vice President and Festival
Chairman Bob Rankin and Association President Darlene Begolka. The
Association officers were joined by some of the folks who were
participating in live reenactments and 1800’s life demonstrations
around the courthouse lawn. Also in attendance was Logan County Fair
Royalty - Queen Molly Schempp, Junior Miss Julia Collins and Little
Miss Kylee Fulk. Ward One Alderman Tracy Welch was on hand filling
in for Mayor Seth Goodman. Ward Two Alderman Ron Fleshman, former
Chamber Ambassador Marcia Cook and her sister Mandy Cordray, who was
an exhibitor at Postville Park, Morgan Gleason of the Logan County
Tourism Bureau, and Geoff Ladd of the Route 66 Scenic Byway were
also on hand.
The morning began with Smith as acting emcee welcoming everyone to
the opening ceremonies for the 48th Railsplitting Festival. She
asked that everyone offer a big round of applause to the Festival
Committee for 48 years of annual events.
Smith mentioned that the longevity of the festival was due in part
to multiple generations within the festival committee. Begolka is a
second generation member. Bob Rankin is also a second generation
member and his daughter Heidi Mueller is now a third generation
member.
Smith went on to acknowledge the local royalty, Alderman Welch and
others.
Tourism Director Gleason was introduced and she
thanked all the dedicated volunteers who work so hard to put on the
festival each year. She said the annual festival is an asset to
Logan County tourism and an important part of our community.
Smith noted that Postville Courthouse is one of the few places where
Abraham Lincoln and Route 66 meet. The Courthouse is recognized as a
Route 66 attraction and of course, Abraham Lincoln practiced law in
the courthouse. She said it was only fitting that the group should
hear from a representative of Route 66, and that would be Geoff Ladd
of the Route 66 Scenic Byways.
Ladd began by saying that the only section of any
state throughout the Route 66 trail that also offers a glimpse at
Abraham Lincoln is right here in central Illinois. He said that he
had “taken his cue” of paring Lincoln and Route 66 together from the
late Shirley Bartlemay, who for many years was a champion for the
Postville Courthouse.
Ladd also commented on the longevity of the festival noting that the
average life span of a festival is five years, so to see a festival
continue on for 48 years was a remarkable feat.
Ladd also took a moment to mention the activities going on at the
Mill on Route 66 Museum on this day. He noted that Salt Creek ABATE
would host their annual motorcycle show, there would be live
entertainment and the museum world be open to visitors.
Smith then introduced Darius Knauer thanking him for
the role he played in the formation of the Railsplitter Association
and the festival.
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Knauer spoke about the upcoming 50th. He said it was
already on his mind, and thinking about plans for the 50th there are
things in the works, such as inviting the many people who were there
at the beginning and throughout the history of the festival back for
a really great Festival Reunion.
Bob Rankin was called on next to speak and he sent
out a call to ‘younger people’ to get involved with the association.
He said that the future of the festival is going to rely on a new
generation of people taking interest and investing in the festival,
so he was hopeful that those young people would step up and help
keep the festival going for years to come.
Rankin also thanked everyone for coming to the opening ceremony.
Darlene Begolka spoke next reminding everyone that
there were plenty of activities around the Fifth Street area
including a Vendor Market at the VFW and food being sold in the
three Railsplitter locations.
She then said, “And let the festival begin.”
The last person to speak was Welch. On behalf of the
mayor and city of Lincoln he wanted to congratulate the Association
on their 48 years. He wished the best of luck to the competitors of
the various events, and hoped that all the visitors would have a
good time.
The group then stood for posed pictures, then with the
three-two-one-snip, Welch and Begolka cut the ribbon and the
festival was official.
[Nila Smith] |
