The Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival began as a small

art fair and has evolved into one of the Midwest's 

finest family festivals.

In 1974, the Greater Lincoln Area Chamber 

of Commerce (now the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber)

and the Downtown Lincoln Council sponsored an art fair 

around the Logan County Courthouse in downtown Lincoln

"...to provide the community with an opportunity to 

purchase original works of art."

Local citizens pledged to purchase art in advance 

through "Art Patron Purchases." These guaranteed sales

attracted quality artists and grew the event's reputation 

throughout the Midwest. Within a couple of years, the

art fair moved one block north to shady Latham Park,

where it has been held now for over thirty years.

What about the hot air balloons?

To celebrate the Art Fair's 15th Anniversary in 1989,

organizers brought in hot air balloons as an added

attraction. The balloon activities were an instant hit

with the festival crowds and have continued to draw

crowds for seventeen years! They were so popular, in fact,

that the festival grew to such a proportion that 

a second location was needed. An additional location

at the local fairgrounds provided the necessary room to 

accommodate the spectators, the growing number of

hot air balloons, and additional components such as

a carnival, food concessions, entertainment, and

crafters.

In 2005, the Chamber of Commerce proposed a plan to the

Logan County Board to move the hot air balloons and related

activities to the Logan County Airport. This plan was

approved and the new "home" provides a safe environment 

for balloon launches, additional parking, and room to expand

the festival in future years. The downtown Art Fair remains

in Latham Park and additional activities have 'sprung up'

all over town!

Now in its' 34th year, the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival 

continues a tradition of wholesome, affordable family

entertainment, drawing 'friends of the festival' from throughout

the region.