2019 Area Fall Festivals
2019 Area Fall Festivals LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Sept. 18, 2019 Page 125 Festival Chairman Bob Rankin is in charge of bringing in many of the materials needed for the splitting competitions. On Saturday morning his efforts were being slowed by the rain. A little after 9 a.m. he sent a message to Begolka that he didn’t want folks to wait on him, so the ribbon cut was called to order. Among those at the cut were Geoff Ladd representing the Mill on Route 66 Museum and Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways. He was asked to speak. Ladd reminded everyone that the average life span of any festival is five years. To achieve 49 years is a remarkable task and he noted that year 50 is coming and everyone is looking forward to the golden anniversary of the festival. He said that though it is an Abraham Lincoln related festival, it is also a Route 66 festival in that the primary locations for the weekend of events are located on historic Route 66 and the Postville Courthouse is a Route 66 attraction. Begolka asked John and Diana Skelton to join her at the front line of the ribbon cut. She acknowledge that Diane is an officer of the association and John a member. They both work hard to take care of the festival and make it a good event for everyone. Begolka asked the Skeltons’ to join her in appreciation for their efforts. Mayor Seth Goodman was unable to attend the ribbon cutting due to his participation in the ALMH 5K/10K Walk/Run taking place Saturday morning. He had asked that Ward 3 Alderman Ron Keller stand in for him. Keller said that the city was happy to see the Railsplitter continue on and happy to support the Abraham Lincoln heritage that the festival represents. Lincoln Daily News was assisting with the ribbon cut. Nila Smith served as the emcee. Before doing the cut, she noted that Darius Knauer was absent. Knauer has been with the Festival since day one, and in fact was the one who came up with the idea to hold such an annual event. Smith wanted to acknowledge his contribution to the festival and the community. Begolka noted that while Knauer was not on the grounds on Saturday, he was planning on being there on Sunday. Then the cut was done with the traditional countdown of three-two-one snip. Continued n
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