ARCOLA, Ill. (WAND) - Arcola residents celebrated the nation's 250th birthday and its history with founding father Ben Franklin on Friday. 

Ben Franklin Fest featured tethered hot air balloon rides, a foam dance party, Lawn Ranger Boot Camp led by the Arcola Lawn Rangers, and, of course, a visit from Ben Franklin himself. 

"We've got a lot of running jokes; there's a lot of whimsy here in Arcola. And some say that maybe Ben Franklin helped to name the town; some say that maybe he lifted some tariffs and that's what brought broomcorn in," said Green Mill Village Marketing and Development Cassie Yoder. 

Big Al's Shake-Ups will also be on hand as they attempt to set the record for most lemon shake-ups sold during a festival. 

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