 New to the festival this year is a special Abraham Lincoln
Bicentennial event on Friday. Storytellers Brian "Fox" Ellis and
Mike Anderson will entertain at the Lincoln Rec Center. Anderson is
back by popular demand. He has honed his skills as a storyteller and
is one of the best yarn-spinners and worst pun-tellers anywhere. His
superb styling as a communicator makes him a favorite. Following him
will be Ellis, whose goal is to be an inspiration to his audiences,
offering them a chance to gather a deeper sense of who they are in
relation to the human history and natural world around them. Ellis
has been entertaining audiences for the past 29 years, offering some
education along the way through song, myth, poetry and stories. This
event is free to the public.
The third annual Civil War Ball will be on Saturday from 7-10
p.m. at the Lincoln Rec Center. This is a great opportunity learn
the dances of the Civil War era, led by talented dance instructors.
Simple dance steps, good music and lots of fun highlight this
popular annual ball.
Other interesting events are the Captain Bogardus Trap Shoot on
Saturday at the Lincoln Sportsmen's Club and the Route 66 Car Show,
which is sponsored by the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club both days
at the fairgrounds. There will also be daily attendance drawings.
Get ready to enjoy more music at the bluegrass jam throughout the
day Saturday and Sunday at the Logan County Fairgrounds. The
Illinois Country Music Association will also be part of the festival
this year, performing on the Abe Stage on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. as
well as wandering the grounds, entertaining as they go. The ICMA is
made up of musicians, dancers, performers and fans who are dedicated
to promoting country, gospel, bluegrass and western music throughout
the state of Illinois.
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Then, of course, are the railsplitting competitions, including
amateur and professional. The national competition begins at 3:15
p.m. on Sunday and will be preceded by this year's bicentennial
re-enactment of the christening of the city of Lincoln, with Gary
Simpkins as the featured Lincoln interpreter.
Hungry? The festival will include a farmers market, and several
concession stands will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Enjoy fresh central Illinois-grown
fruits and vegetables, home-baked goods and much more.
Don't forget to visit the flea market, antiques booths, craft
booths, historical displays, working craft area and much more on
both dates. The complete festival book is available online.
The Logan Railsplitting Association thanks all of their sponsors
who helped to make this year's event possible.
For more information, check out the festival Web site at
www.railsplitting.com or
call 217-732-8687.
[Text from file received from
Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of
Logan County]
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