|
 While the number of people may have been down,
those who were in attendance were happy with what they found at the
festival, and enjoyed the two day event by alternating indoor
activities with outdoor activities.
The typical offerings this year included the flea market event at
Postville Park, activities going on inside at the Cronin Brothers
VFW Freedom Hall, lots of activities happening on the lawn of the
Postville Courthouse and opportunities to tour the Postville
Courthouse and the Mill on Route 66 Museum.
As guests gathered Saturday morning for the ribbon cutting event,
many chose to take shelter from the rain under the tent where the
Christian Village was hosting a bake sale. Some brought their
umbrellas and stood under the trees as the rain came down softly
most of the morning.
President of the Logan County Railsplitting Association Darlene
Begolka was taking it all in stride. She had a hunch she said that
this would be the year.
Over the years the Railsplitter has seen all weather conditions
ranging from roasting hot to just warm, a little cool to downright
cold, but it has been a rare weekend that the event was totally
depleted by rain. Begolka reasoned it out saying she had witnessed
that the Pigs & Swigs had great weather this year. Weather for the
Balloons over 66, though a little windy sometimes was wonderful. So,
she said she figured “it was our turn.”
The ribbon cut was moved inside the Postville Courthouse, and as
folks gathered in the east room of the courthouse, all were happy to
be a part of the cut, and still looking forward to salvaging the day
as the weatherman had reported that the rain would come and go. They
were all hoping it would mostly “go,” but weren’t going to let the
wet weather dampen their spirits – pun intended.
Festival Chairman Bob Rankin is in charge of bringing in many of the
materials needed for the splitting competitions. On Saturday morning
his efforts were being slowed by the rain. A little after 9 a.m. he
sent a message to Begolka that he didn’t want folks to wait on him,
so the ribbon cut was called to order.
Among those at the cut were Geoff Ladd representing the Mill on
Route 66 Museum and Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways. He was asked to
speak. Ladd reminded everyone that the average life span of any
festival is five years. To achieve 49 years is a remarkable task and
he noted that year 50 is coming and everyone is looking forward to
the golden anniversary of the festival. He said that though it is an
Abraham Lincoln related festival, it is also a Route 66 festival in
that the primary locations for the weekend of events are located on
historic Route 66 and the Postville Courthouse is a Route 66
attraction.
Begolka asked John and Diana Skelton to join her at the front line
of the ribbon cut. She acknowledge that Diane is an officer of the
association and John a member. They both work hard to take care of
the festival and make it a good event for everyone. Begolka asked
the Skeltons' to join her in appreciation for their efforts.
Mayor Seth Goodman was unable to attend the ribbon cutting due to
his participation in the ALMH 5K/10K Walk/Run taking place Saturday
morning. He had asked that Ward 3 Alderman Ron Keller stand in for
him. Keller said that the city was happy to see the Railsplitter
continue on and happy to support the Abraham Lincoln heritage that
the festival represents.
Lincoln Daily News was assisting with the ribbon cut. Nila Smith
served as the emcee. Before doing the cut, she noted that Darius
Knauer was absent. Knauer has been with the Festival since day one,
and in fact was the one who came up with the idea to hold such an
annual event. Smith wanted to acknowledge his contribution to the
festival and the community. Begolka noted that while Knauer was not
on the grounds on Saturday, he was planning on being there on
Sunday.
Then the cut was done with the traditional countdown of
three-two-one snip.
Immediately after the cut, four young people from the Lincoln
Community High School Choir came to the front of the room to sing
the Star Spangled Banner. After an amazing four-part performance the
kids introduced themselves.
They were Kaylee Ingram, Grace Mathon, Ely Hewitt and Nikos Poulos.
The rest of the day, guests made their way around the festival,
ducking in under the tents of the numerous campsites set up on the
lawn, or into the courthouse, or popping into the VFW during the
brief rainy periods.
At the Mill on Route 66 Museum, the car show was cancelled for the
day. Not surprisingly, those who show their classic cars, don’t like
rain, wind, or wet roads and on Saturday they were plagued with two
of the three.
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However, Ladd said later in the day that it had still
not been a disappointing day for the Museum. The Mill on Route 66
was one of those places guests could visit during the rainy spells
and Ladd thought there had been several who had opted to do just
that. He said foot traffic inside the museum had been good.
In addition, the Mill was excited to host a stop for
the Canadian Corvette Club that was traveling through the area on
Route 66. The group visited the museum then moved on to the
Railsplitter Covered Wagon where they posed for a group photo with
the wagon and Abe.
Ladd was excited about their stop and happy to share a few pictures
with local media.
Of course during the weekend, there are several
Railsplitter competitions going on from corn shelling to apple
peeling, water boiling and of course the many competitions involving
sawing or splitting wood.
In the splitting competitions particularly, it was clear that the
large logs lined up to be split into rails was damp if not downright
wet. That may have added to the struggle of the splitters as they
worked during the various competitions, but everyone took it in
stride.
If there were a prize for determination, it would have gone to young
Tanner Baker of Beason as he competed for the first time ever in the
Junior Railsplitting competition. With a commitment to finish what
he started, Tanner split his log in 19 minutes and 37 seconds. Not
at all bad for a first time try. It was clear that the task was a
big challenge for the youngster, but determined to finish what he
started, he no doubt gained the respect and admiration of those
watching.
It was also good to see so many local folks taking part in the
competitions, and also winning in competitions.
This year the National Railsplitting Competition held on Sunday was
won by Logan County resident Casey Ballinger of Atlanta with a time
of 9 minutes and 44 seconds.
Ryan Ballinger of Atlanta won the Junior Railsplitting Competition.
In the Junior Corn Shelling it was Carson Anderson and Austin
McCormick of Lincoln that took the first place prize.
In the Team Rail Split Casey Ballinger of Atlanta teamed up with
veteran splitter Chris Friedlein of Gibson City to take the win.
Casey and Ryan Ballinger of Atlanta teamed up for the win in the
Junior Crosscut Saw.
In the Amateur Rail Split Casey Ballinger took first place and Ryan
Ballinger finished fourth.
Other activities around the grounds at Postville Courthouse included
the civil war hospital encampment, wood carving, weaving tents, live
music from the Boot Leggers, and entertainment by festival favorite
Chris Vallillo.
There were also fun games and activities for the little ones who
attended. From climbing on top and through the laid out wooden kegs
to the balancing acts of walking on split rails without falling off,
building houses with make-shift building blocks and the ever popular
tomahawk toss, there was plenty to keep kids entertained.
Inside the Courthouse, in addition to taking in the museum and
visiting the upstairs courtroom, there was wheat weaving, quilting,
and rug making demonstrations for all to enjoy.
And, there were plenty of Abraham Lincoln’s on the grounds, as some
of those who came on Saturday to participate in the attempt for a
world record at the Logan County Courthouse, decided to take in the
sights at Postville as well.
So, was it a challenging weekend? Yes, some would probably say it
was, but it was still a good one, with plenty to do and plenty that
got done, including the all-important National Railsplitting
Competition.
Congratulations to the Logan County Railsplitter Association for
another great festival. Next year will mark the 50th Anniversary of
the Railsplitter. That is quite an accomplishment and we hope that
you will all mark your calendars now to return to Lincoln in
September to be a part of this wonderful milestone event.
Note: Results from the Saturday and Sunday competitions are posted
separately. Be sure to check them out and note all the local folks
who participated. Thanks to all, and thanks to those who came from
far away places to be in the competition. You are appreciated.
[Nila Smith and Lisa Ramlow] |
