Date:

February 13, 2002

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831
Bill Luxford, 5 CITY-TV, 441-6688

The main stage program from the city's second annual Abraham Lincoln Celebration is now being aired on 5 CITY-TV, the government access cable channel. The free event February 10 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts attracted about 1,000 people.

The taped program runs about 2 hours. It features performances by the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Infantry Band based in Fremont; Springfield, Illinois actor Fritz Klein one of the nation's foremost Lincoln actors; and the UNL Wind Ensemble performing Aaron Copland's "A Lincoln Portrait." Mayor Don Wesely and Wayne Boles, who headed the event's volunteer steering committee, were emcees.

The program will air for several weeks at the following times:
• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
• Thursdays, 3:30 and 11:30 p.m.
• Fridays, 2 and 11:30 p.m.
• Saturdays, 8 p.m.
• Sundays, 10:30 p.m.

The event also featured exhibits, an impersonators contest, children's activities, the Smith Family Band of Hastings and area Civil War re-enactors. It was presented by the City of Lincoln; Lincoln Benefit Life Company, the Celebration's Inaugural Benefactor; and Updowntowners, Inc. with support from the Nebraska Humanities Council.

The complete 5 CITY-TV schedule can be found on the city's web site, Photos from the event can also be found on the Mayor's page on the web site.

Planning is under way for the third annual Abraham Lincoln Celebration Sunday, February 16, 2003.