Lincoln Days was a stellar festival

The weather was perfect, the floats were beautiful, the entertainment was top notch and the burgers were delicious.

Linda Ireland

The LaRue County Herald News had a float in the Lincoln Days parade.

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Linda Ireland

Lincoln Look-a-like Randy Duncan spoke to students before they performed a Civil War-era dance on Lincoln Square.

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Linda Ireland

Christopher Corriveau, Destinee Lewis, Julie Dosier, Jason Slack, Kevin Moore and Samantha Peddicore performed a Civil War-era dance on the square.

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Linda Ireland

Tad Allen of Rockledge, Fla. competed in the Lincoln Look-a-like Contest.

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Lincoln Days 2008 will be remembered for all those things – and more. While we enjoy our traditions, there were several new features including the corn hole tournament and air guitar and entertainers Katey Randall and the Salsa Rhythms Band. The Heartland Songwriters Association brought a variety of high quality groups to the square.

Did you see the Lincoln look-a-like who could have passed for Mel Gibson? Nothing warty about that fella, no sir.

Not everything was perfect – and that makes for a memorable festival also. A child was lost – but quickly found. A couple of people were overcome by the heat (even low 80s can be too hot at times.) And the helicopter knocked over a couple of port-a-potties when it landed at Creekfront Park. The “lift” on the big bird was just a bit too strong and blew away hats, tents – and yes, a couple of unoccupied outhouses.

Overall, we did our best to honor our most famous native son – Abraham Lincoln. I think he would have been proud.

A huge thanks to the Lincoln Days board and volunteers for a job well done. We sometimes forget how much is involved in putting together this festival. You guys are great.

Men With Hats

If you’re still craving a little more Lincoln, you might check out the premiere of Being Lincoln – Men With Hats, at the Derby City Film Festival in Louisville Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Elvis Wilson film chronicles the lives of 160 Lincoln presenters – those men who grow beards, don black top hats and masquerade as the 16th president.

It features rookie John Mansfield and veteran Dennis Boggs – competitors at the Lincoln Days Look-a-like Contest.

The screening is at Louisville Memorial Auditorium, 970 South Fork St., Louisville. For more information, check out www.derbycityfilmfest.com.