 Returning to the festival this year is the annual Civil War Ball as
the kickoff event on Friday, Sept. 17. The fourth annual Civil War
Ball will be from 7 to 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.
Storytellers Brian "Fox" Ellis and Mike Anderson will be
returning along with the Illinois Country Music Association
performers on Saturday, Sept. 18. Mike 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 Brian "Fox" Ellis. His 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 human history and natural world around them.
He has been entertaining audiences for the past 30 years, offering
some education along the way through song, myth, poetry and stories.
The ICMA is made up of musicians, dancers, performers and fans who
are all dedicated to promoting country, gospel, bluegrass and
Western music throughout the state of Illinois. The performances
start at 4:30 p.m. on the Abe Stage at the Logan County Fairgrounds.
Other interesting events include a weekend-long Civil War
encampment where you can experience the lives of Civil War soldiers
as the sesquicentennial of the Civil War approaches in 2011; the
Captain Bogardus Trap Shoot on Saturday at the Lincoln Sportsman
Club; the Route 66 car and antique tractor show both days at the
fairgrounds; as well as daily attendance drawings.
Hungry? The Railsplitter Festival will include a farmers market,
as well as having several concession stands open on Saturday and
Sunday, Sept. 18 and 19, 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. There will also be a barbecue cook-off by Main
Street Lincoln downtown during the festival.
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Don't forget to visit the Railsplitter craft booths, historical
displays, working craft area, pioneer village, bluegrass jams,
country music performances, kids' games, tomahawk throw, amateur
railsplitting and much more on both dates. It's a fantastic family
event!
The festival will mark its historic 40th anniversary on Sunday,
Sept. 19, with special ceremonies prior to the National
Railsplitting Contest at 3:15 p.m.
For more information, check out the Railsplitting Festival
website 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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