Lincolns annual summer event, the Celebrate Lincoln International Festival, received a high honor as one of the best events in the industry by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) on September 23rd, 2009. At the IFEA’s 54th Annual Convention & Expo, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Celebrate Lincoln was awarded the prestigious Bronze Grand Pinnacle Award for the best overall event.

Celebrate Lincoln - produced by Updowntowners and presented by Lincoln Benefit Life - also received Silver Pinnacle Awards for Best Single Newspaper Display Ad and Best Event Program, and the Star City Holiday Parade was awarded a Bronze Pinnacle Award for Best Promotional Poster.

Each year, the International Festival & Events Association recognizes outstanding examples of quality and creativity in events and festivals around the world. This year’s entries included organizations from South Korea, Singapore, The Netherlands, and Canada, as well as all over the United States. The prestigious Pinnacle Awards competition drew entries from among the world’s top festivals and events and showcases the highest degree of excellence in festival and event promotions.

“We would like to congratulate all of our Pinnacle winners for their outstanding entries into this year’s competition,” said IFEA President & CEO, Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE.

“The IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards represents the hallmark of excellence in the festivals and events industry. Entries in every budget category, from every corner of the globe, allow us to recognize the best in our business while raising the standards and quality of media promotions and events across the board.”

“It is truly an honor to see the fervent energy of our community support be recognized on an international level through such prestigious recognition from our industry,” said Deb Johnson, Executive Director Updowntowners, Inc. “It is amazing to be a part of organization with colleagues from numerous continents and to compete globally for this honor. I invite everyone to join us next year for Celebrate Lincoln on June 18-19, 2010.”