|
 The vendors were set up inside the walking track
that lies behind the Senior Center building. Guests could walk on
smooth level terrain, enjoying the ease of navigating with strollers
or pets in tow and stopping from time to time to enjoy the offerings
of the vendors, and even make a few purchases.
Watching the people go by, it was fun to see how many were traveling
in groups. Friends together for the weekend laughed and visited as
they shopped for fall décor items or a new set of Tupperware bowls.
The vendors were well pleased with the turnout this year. One such
vendor commented that in the first 90 minutes of this year’s event
she had already sold more than she did the entire day last year.
Of course, those who were there will remember that last year it was
terribly hot the entire weekend of the Balloons Over 66. This year
it was warm, but not as humid and there seemed to always be a
cooling breeze flowing through the community and making the weather
feel much better than during the 2021 event.
Some of the shoppers were learning about our community for the first
time, while others had taken advantage of the event to “come home”
for the weekend.
One such shopper commented that she used to live in Lincoln, and now
she comes back specifically for the Balloons Over 66 Weekend. She
had been out and about on Friday evening and had watched the
balloons go up. She was also looking forward to getting some
shopping done at the Oasis before heading downtown to check out all
there was to see.
The vendor list included several familiar faces. Among those who had
tents set up was the group representing the National Railsplitting
Festival, which will be happening in Lincoln in just a few short
weeks. The volunteers were busy handing out information about the
next festival on the calendar for Lincoln.
[to top of second column] |
The Oasis members also had a tent set up and were sharing
information about the senior center and the benefits of membership.
On the track another tent that was drawing attention was that of the
new i3 broadband internet service that has come to town. I3 has been
installing fiber optic cable around town and is anxious to stir up
some business.
Other attractions around the track included hand crafted art made of
paper, freeze dried edible sweets, diamond point works of art, and
tons of tents offered clothing and jewelry.
One of the biggest attractions at the Oasis was not on the track.
Out front was the extremely eye-catching display of “My Wind Stuff.”
The extra-long RV with a box trailer in tow was filled with wind
ornaments and kites. The colorful displays set up in the grassy area
between the front parking lot and Woodlawn Road drew the attention
of many a motorist passing by and shoppers made the trip into the
parking lot just to see what was generating all that color and
motion.
In all, it was a very good day at the Oasis, with the vendors and
shoppers enjoying the ability to get out and be a part of the
Balloons Over 66 Weekend.
[Nila Smith]
 |
