|
 Because
LDN has seen them all, it is easy to say that what was witnessed on
Friday evening on the square was one of the largest events in
respect of numbers of people present, that the heart of Lincoln has
ever seen.
The June Third Friday’s Downtown Lincoln was a shining example of
two groups coming together to make for one fantastic event that had
something for everyone.
The theme of the evening was Nashville Nights. This is the second
year for this theme that is a collaborative between the Downtown
Businesses group and the City of Lincoln Third Friday Committee.
The main attraction that fed into the theme is the
live music that dotted the square as bands and duos were brought in
to perform at the various eateries and bars by the business group.
The goal of the business group is to promote visitors to the heart
of the city via special promotions or events throughout the year.
Many of these events focus on the retail establishments in the city.
However, Nashville Nights is all about the food and beverage
establishments.
Starting on Broadway Street just east of Chicago
Street was Biloxi Banks playing in front of the Fox Hole.
Heading east the next music stop was to hear Tulo &
Eads at Flossie and Delzena’s. Turn north and walk toward Pekin
Street and Graviel was scheduled to perform at the Rio Grande.
Doubling back to Broadway and starting the walk
around the square, the next band, Lincoln’s Dead was found at
Sorrento’s Pizzeria.
Stereo Typical was bringing in the listeners to
Pulaski Street near Spirited Republic.
A band that always seems to be a favorite at the
Third Friday’s events is Harmony GRITS. The group was set up in
front of the Alley-Bi, just west of the square on Pulaski Street.
True to past history, fans had brought their lawn
chairs and seemed to be set up to stay for the duration. People were
shoulder to shoulder standing, sitting on the curbs, and having a
great time in Lincoln.
[to top of second column] |
Aaron Elijah was booked at the Guest House Coffee and
Pastries.
All the food and beverage establishments were
bringing in the customers throughout the evening, which was at least
a part of the reason for the event in the first place.
But, it wasn’t just the music that brought people to the heart of
the city. The theme was carried through to the event that was
organized by the Third Friday’s committee, but it was the number of
attractions, activities, and vendors that make the event a great
place for visitors of any and all ages.
The kids corner area was very popular with oversized
board games, and a Limbo for kids made from pool noodles.
The giant inflated climb and slide was very popular as was the
bounce house.
According to Marcia Cook, who chairs the committee this year, there
were more than 70 vendors scheduled to be at the event. From the
looks of it they were all there, and all getting their fair share of
attention from visitors.
The popular stops included face painting, henna
tattoos, rock painting, walking desserts offered by the Lincoln Park
District, and ice cream and cotton candy from the Top Hat Creamery.
Classic cars were back on Pulaski Street again this month and there
was an increased number of vehicles over last month, maybe due in
part to the idea weather with no hint of rain in the forecast.
It also seemed to be a good night for dogs. Around
the square there were a large number of visitors who had brought
their dogs to the events, and it appeared that all of them were
enjoying being a part of the excitement.
Third Friday’s Downtown Lincoln has always been a popular event, but
this month seemed to be the most popular of all time.
There will be one more event this season, to be held in July. If by
chance you have not yet attended a Third Friday, you still have one
chance left this summer. Putting it on your calendar and taking it
all in would be highly recommended.
[Nila Smith]
 |
