Downtown
Lincoln transformed into an open-air gallery as more than a dozen
artists and crafters lined Broadway Street for the Balloons Over 66
Art Fair. The event drew steady crowds of families and festivalgoers,
offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to woodworking,
crochet, and of course…food.
The art fair was one of many attractions taking place as part of the
annual Balloons Over 66 festival, which also featured hot air
balloon launches, live entertainment, and specialty events such as
the DockDogs competition. Together, the activities filled downtown
with color, sound, and community spirit.
Over 15 vendors set up tents on Broadway Street, showcasing a wide
range of creative work. Shoppers browsed lotion and body products
from Tallow, custom glass designs by Farmer City Glass, and wooden
pieces from OC Woodworking and Crafts. Castaway Creation, Pop’s and
Gram’s Stop and Shop, Cayuga Ride Wood Works, and Jessica Ryan
Design were also among the booths drawing interest.
Several vendors added unique
touches to the lineup. Floral Presence displayed jewelry made from
real flowers grown in their garden, preserved under resin, along
with butterfly wing designs crafted only from wings collected after
the insects’ natural lifespan. A posted sign assured visitors that
no butterflies were harmed in the process, adding an educational
element to their booth. Grammy’s Crochet Studio offered handmade
textiles, while Tala Kamora Design and Bob’s Woodshed featured
original artwork and wooden crafts. Em’s Gems specialized in
jewelry, and Extreme3D Printing showed off fidget toys. Other
booths, including LeighMo’s Art and Mystical Munchies, rounded out
the mix with henna tattoos and festival snacks.
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The fair’s relaxed but lively atmosphere invited families to
linger and explore. Children walked alongside their parents,
tugging at hands to point out colorful displays or pause for a
closer look. Vendors greeted visitors personally, explaining
their processes and the stories behind their creations. From
jewelry tables sparkling under the summer sun to the smell of
food drifting from nearby stands, downtown was alive with the
variety of a true community festival.
Though the art fair stood out on its own, it was also part of the
larger Balloons Over 66 weekend, which draws visitors from across
central Illinois. Just a few miles away, balloon pilots and crews
prepared for their evening launches, while other areas downtown
hosted live music and food trucks. The mix of art, entertainment,
and activity ensured that festivalgoers had something for every
interest.
By evening, the art fair had drawn a steady stream of attendees who
filled the sidewalks with conversations, purchases, and festival
energy. Vendors reported strong interest in their work, and many
visitors carried bags of crafts and gifts as they made their way
toward other attractions.
For Lincoln, the art fair was not only a showcase of local and
regional talent but also an opportunity to highlight the city as a
destination during one of its busiest weekends of the year. With hot
air balloons dotting the skyline, and artists filling the square,
Balloons Over 66 once again brought together the sights, sounds, and
creativity of the community.
[Sophia Larimore]
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