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Downtown Lincoln enjoys Third
Friday sock hop
[July 20, 2026]
On Friday, July 17th, Lincoln
held their final Third Friday of 2026. It was sunny, and very warm,
with temperatures near 90 degrees and the heat index over 100. The
sweltering heat didn't stop the fun however, as a very large crowd
turned up for the food, vendors, activities and music.
Guest House was set up with various
ice cream floats. One was made with Mexican Coke. Guest House
usually tries to have a unique item for sale at Third Friday, and
Friday was no exception. They had coffee floats at the tent outside
their store. Rather than soda, these floats were made with a scoop
of vanilla ice cream and cold brew extract.
In addition to food, there were many local businesses and groups set
up here. The Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival had a
table to promote their event, held on the same weekend as the
Balloons Over 66 weekend this year. Logan County Pride had a stand,
as did the Lincoln Community Theater. Other tables and stands
included Carroll Catholic, Mcluvn Made, Small Town Creations,
Christian Child Care, the Oasis Senior Center, and many others.
On the corner of Kickapoo and Broadway there were food trucks set up
near the Lincoln Daily News office, as well as activities for kids
and families on the street. Foxhole had a tent outside their
establishment and were serving smash burgers and hot dogs. We 3
Sweets had their little trailer set up, but the line was anything
but small. The Slash Slinging Slasher was selling various types of
french fries right next to Boomer’s BBQ.
As for the family activities, there
was froggy ball, 9 square, a small basketball hoop, and a water
table for little kids. Pat’s Wagon and Straight Up Sips were set up
next to these activities selling various food and/or drinks.
The Unique Twist was set up across
from Straight Up Sips and Pat’s Wagon. The gentleman here was
creating balloon animals for kids and adults alike. There was a man
walking around the event with a large balloon hat he had made here.
Before turning onto McLean Street,
one would have seen two large inflatable slides and a great deal of
suds. The slides had water running down them and kids were climbing
up and sliding down. The suds were coming from a foam cannon that
was set up and operated by That Kid Place. The kids were having a
blast, some of them up to their chins in foam.
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On McLean Street, many of the
vendors were similar from past Third Fridays. People here seemed to
enjoy seeing these stands return, as there was a long line for face
painting at the tent run by Holly from War Food Farms.
Right across the street was LeighMo’s Art, who in addition to face
painting, were also offering henna tattoos. There was a rock
painting table where kids and adults were creating new pieces of
art.
The giant crocheted octopus was
back, with people being wowed by its sheer size. There were other
stands here with hand crafted items for sale. Crochet and Kancy,
Planting with Family, and Tice Family Arts for example. Nichole
Reads the Library was back with free books, and there was someone
set up with various 3D-printed items.
Another returning stand was Dino Mite Comics, who were new to
Lincoln and Third Fridays last year. Owner and local author Gabriel
Whitney stated that he had expanded from last year, selling prints
and even a new graphic novel that he had written, which was being
sold for the first time that night. Whitney stated that he was
working on possibly having a book launch party at Ink and Imprint,
downtown Lincoln's local bookstore.
Turning onto Pulaski Street,
Railsplitter Antique Auto Club held a car show. There were over 20
cars entered, and kids walking around were invited to vote, as the
award was a Kids Choice Award.
Spirited Republic had outdoor
seating, with many enjoying a cool beverage in the shade of the
building. The corner of Pulaski and Kickapoo Streets saw much of the
action of the night. Central Illinois band the 66 Ramblers were
present and playing oldies music. Many stood by to listen and a few
took to the street to dance.
It seems that Lincoln's Third Fridays have had another
successful year. While the season may be over, one can surely look
forward to another great year of festivities in 2027.
Third Friday sock hop photo slideshow
[Matt Boutcher] |
