Fourth Friday Downtown draws largest crowd

[August 30, 2019]   LINCOLN - On a gorgeous summer evening, August 23, downtown Lincoln was abuzz with activity. “Fourth Friday Downtown” was hosted by the Logan County Tourism Board, city and county officials and many volunteers. The usual Third Friday Downtown was moved to this weekend to coincide with the Balloons over 66 event.

After a week of getting back into the school routine, kids were working off their energy in one of several bounce houses including a water slide to cool them off and obstacle course to provide for some healthy competition.


Seven-year-old Atticus loved jumping in the bounce houses.



Nine-year-old Jaice was excited about winning the race through the obstacle course and his brother, 10-year-old Johnny said he was just having fun.

Further down the street were games that included a life sized Connect Four game, ladder toss and a child sized bags game.



Kids also had a chance to “fly” a child sized hydraulic plane sponsored by the Heritage in Flight Museum.
 

The balloon creations were a hit with kids and adults alike. Young Levi thought the zombie animals were cool. Siblings Caleb, Faith, Lilly and Jacob loved their balloon animals. Kid at heart “Action Jackson” Johnson had a unique hat made.



Even Abraham Lincoln was downtown enjoying the festivities and encouraging people to participate in trying for a Guinness record of the most Abraham Lincoln look-a-likes in one place during the Railsplitter Festival in September.

For those who worked up an appetite, there were several options. Sara Harvey said she was excited to eat the Alley-Bi burgers and Sorrento’s pizza since she grew up eating both.

The tacos made by Lincoln Christian Church to raise money for their upcoming Harvest of Talents were also popular with the crowds, selling out more than once.

Other outdoor food vendors included Mama’s Arcade with cheeseburgers, Meghan’s Lemonade with lemonade shake-ups, and Guest House with iced tea, lemonade, root beer floats and hot air balloon cookies.

Some of the stores stayed open for the evening and volunteers from some local churches, several businesses and community organizations offered items such as water, snow cones, free popsicles and reusable bags. Others offered a chance to win a gift card or spin a wheel to win a prize.



Live musical entertainment was provided by Danny Tackett & The Chicken & Pickin’ Orchestra and many of the crowd gathered around to listen to the popular local group.

Though the wind prevented most of the balloon pilots from going up, a couple balloons could be seen overhead during the evening.



Becca Brant, who grew up in Lincoln and recently moved back with her family, said it was nice to see everybody out and see the community coming together.



Alex Williams, who does Public Relations and Communications for the Third Fridays Downtown Committee, was pleased to collaborate with the county, city, Logan County Tourism Board and Balloons Over 66. Williams said, “We continue to get a tremendous amount of positive feedback and our vendors help make this event successful.”
 

Aldermen Ron Keller and Kevin Bateman, who represent the downtown wards were very pleased with the turnout and appreciated the downtown businesses. Bateman said it was the best turnout they have had for one of the Friday events. Keller said people are generous with their time and talents and it showcases our community.

Overall, the downtown event provided a fun evening for families and friends.

The next Third Friday event, the final one of the year, will be Friday, September 20, so come enjoy all the fun next month.

[Angela Reiners]