The official opening of the Balloons Over 66 weekend began Friday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the front entrance to the Comfort Inn. Event originator Seth Goodman was joined by Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch, Logan County Tourism Director Alice Roate, 2022 Logan County Fair Royalty Queen Emma Stoltzenburg, Junior Miss Isabella Pollice and Little Miss Luci Bobell, motel staff, and more than 30 hot air balloon pilots for the brief ceremony. Goodman and Welch offered brief comments before the cutting. Then, Roate and Goodman snipped the ribbon at this year's event.

More weekend coverage to come in the Monday edition of Lincoln Daily News.

Photos by Nila Smith              [Click on image for larger version]

Friday was a great launch for the 2022 Balloons over 66. Weather was perfect for balloons to launch, dogs leaped into a pool of water as crowds cheered, downtown was filled with food trucks, and an awesome band 'Big Sun' had the crowds rocking to old favorites and some foot thumpin' blues. Quieter events included kid games by Open Arms Fellowship in Latham Park and Bags competition.

Everything repeats on Saturday along with the KCB Up in Smoke competition, Art Fair, Car Show and food vendors on the square; and the Oasis Senior Center on the city's west side, hosts a Craft Fair. The two day event concludes on Saturday evening with a downtown festival of food, fun and live music beginning at 3 p.m.. It's the perfect time to get out and enjoy seeing old friends or make new ones. [See the schedule and places to go below]

See more photos in today's edition.

Photos by  Jan Youngquist              [Click on image for larger version]