2018 Area Festivals

2018 Area Fall Festivals LINCOLN DAILY NEWS SEPT. 12, 2018 Page 67 Ladd also took a moment to mention the activities going on at the Mill on Route 66 Museum on this day. He noted that Salt Creek ABATE would host their annual motorcycle show, there would be live entertainment and the museum world be open to visitors. Smith then introduced Darius Knauer thanking him for the role he played in the formation of the Railsplitter Association and the festival. Knauer spoke about the upcoming 50th. He said it was already on his mind, and thinking about plans for the 50th there are things in the works, such as inviting the many people who were there at the beginning and throughout the history of the festival back for a really great Festival Reunion. Bob Rankin was called on next to speak and he sent out a call to ‘younger people’ to get involved with the association. He said that the future of the festival is going to rely on a new generation of people taking interest and investing in the festival, so he was hopeful that those young people would step up and help keep the festival going for years to come. Rankin also thanked everyone for coming to the opening ceremony. Darlene Begolka spoke next reminding everyone that there were plenty of activities around the Fifth Street area including a Vendor Market at the VFW and food being sold in the three Railsplitter locations. She then said, “And let the festival begin.” The last person to speak was Welch. On behalf of the mayor and city of Lincoln he wanted to congratulate the Association on their 48 years. He wished the best of luck to the competitors of the various events, and hoped that all the visitors would have a good time. The group then stood for posed pictures, then with the three-two-one-snip, Welch and Begolka cut the ribbon and the festival was official.