Community calendar compiled by the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County

(From file received Sept. 6)

Sep  Lincoln Library Teen Volunteer Program.  Lincoln Public Library District is interviewing for new workers in the Teen Volunteer Program.  Teens may pick up applications at the Youth Services desk in the Library Annex.

Sep  Lincoln Library Story Times, Crafts Classes, and Events.  Story times, Craft Classes, and special events will take place at the Library mid-September through mid-November.  Call 732-5732 for more information.  Advance registration is required.  Registrations will begin September 10.

Sep  Lincoln Library Literature Computer.  The Youth Services Department at the Lincoln Public Library has a new literature based game computer for youths 8 – 15.  No Internet card is needed to use this station.  The computer and software were purchased with grant money from the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation.

Sep 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29  Lincoln Farmer’s Market.  Come out to Latham Park from 7 AM – 12 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting May 5 to view and purchase the finest produce local crowers have to offer.  If you need more information, please contact 217-732-6962.

Sep 1  Firefly Art Gallery Ribbon Cutting.  The Mt. Pulaski Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Birthday Committee will host an experimental "Art Gallery" on the eastside of the square in Mt. Pulaski.  The now vacant storefront will transform into an art gallery for the whole month of September from September 1st-30th.  Area artists are encouraged to display and sell their artwork from all types of media.  Display space rental is $25.00 due by September 1st.  An "Opening" with ribbon cutting will be held on Saturday, September 1st at 2:00 p.m. at the gallery.  Refreshments will be served.  The hours for the gallery will be Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  For information, contact Rebecca Drake at 217-796-3519.

Sep 1 Steak Sandwich Fundraiser Sale. Habitat for Humanity will sell steak sandwiches at the Lincoln IGA from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday of Labor Day weekend. This is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Logan County.

Sep 1  Lincoln Speedway Presentation.  Come to the Lincoln Speedway to see their full show.  Full show consists of late model, modified, sportsman, street stock, and wild things.  Hot laps begin at 6:00 PM and the racing is on at 6:30 PM.  Adults are $10 each, and children under 12 are free when accompanied by a parent.  For more information, please visit www.lincolnspeedway.org.

Sep 1  Zion Lutheran Family Fun Fest.  Come out to the Zion Lutheran School from 2 - 7 pm for a ton of fun! Pig roast, corn boil, with homemade ice cream, face painting and children's games. Homemade pies and cakes will be auctioned at 5 pm. Food tickets are $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for children. Carry-outs available. Zion Lutheran School, 1600 Woodlawn Road. For information, call 732-3977.

Sep 6 – 9  Atlanta Fall Festival.  Throughout Atlanta, Illinois, enjoy a variety of entertainments, including music, a carnival, petting zoo, car show, and lots of art and craft vendors.  Don’t miss out on the great food available or the pie and cake baking contest and auction.  For more information, call 217-732-8687.

Sep 6 – 9  Mt. Pulaski Fall Festival.  Throughout Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, enjoy this fun family event: carnival rides, games, music, shopping and much more.  This year's event will feature the 1854 Cast Iron Tombstone Trial Re-enactment.  This famous case, which was handled by Abraham Lincoln, is brought to life on September 7 & 8 at 7 PM, after the tent dinner, in the Mt. Pulaski Courthouse courtroom.  Also featured is the Classic Car & Hot Rod Cruise-in/Car Show.  No need to pre-register, and registration is free.  Cash prizes and plaques will be awarded.  Call 217-792-5668 for more information on the car show.  Finally, come and see the Pop Rocks Band - The Midwest's #1 Party Band.  They'll be performing on Saturday, September 8, at 8 PM. 

Sep 8  Mystery at Old Union Cemetery Walk.  The cemetery is located on Historic Route 66 Southwest of Lincoln, Illinois on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 10:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Parking is available inside the cemetery entrance.  Trolley rides will be provided to the site.  The first tour will be at 10:15 and each tour will follow every 30 - 40 minutes until the last tour at 12:45.  The  Cemetery Walk is hosted by Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society.  For questions, please call 217-732-3200.

Sep 8 & 22  Cruisin’ 66 Cookout.  Come on out to the Wal-Mart parking lot in Lincoln to enjoy some good food and great Route 66 fun.  The events begin at 11 AM and continue until 4 PM.  Each of the events is designed as a fundraiser for the Crusin’ 66 group’s upcoming Route 66 cruise from Atlanta, Illinois, to Elkhart, Illinois.  For just $3, get a hamburger or hotdog with a bag of chips and a pop or water.  If brats are more your thing, how about trying a brat with a bag of chips and a pop or water for only $4?  Lynn the Clown will be on hand for face painting and balloon animals on September 8 so bring the kids and have some great fun.

Sep 10  Blood Drive.  Come give the gift of life at the Lincoln Masonic Center (located at 2022 N. Kickapoo Street) from Noon until 6:00pm.  This blood drive is sponsored by Lincoln Rotary Club.  All blood collected at this blood drive supports Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Sep 10  Kickoff Breakfast.  The United Way of Logan County will be hosting a Kickoff Breakfast on Monday, September 10, 2007 at the Knights of Columbus Hall (217 N. Limit, Lincoln).  Anyone interested is invited to attend, so please make your reservations by September 6, 2007.  Breakfast will be served from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM.  For more information, and reservations, please call 217-735-4499.

Sep 14 – 16  Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest.  37^th Annual festival features a Bluegrass concert downtown at Scully Park on Friday night, and a Civil War Ball at Lincoln College on Saturday night. Fun and educational event for all ages – rail splitting, corn shucking, tomahawk throwing, pioneer village, antique car and tractors, historical displays, Lincoln presentations, quilt show, crafters, flea market, kids games, food vendors and much more. Also includes the Captain Bogardus trap shoot.  Check out www.railsplitting.com or call 217-732-8687 for more information. 

Sep 15  Abraham Lincoln Disabled Children’s Fundraiser.  Come join the Elks Club in raising funds for disabled children.  Last year’s event was a big hit, and this year’s will be too.  At 11 AM, registration begins, as well as the golf outing, and the Abate marble run.  At noon, there will be tea time and ride time.  Don’t miss the bands playing from 4 PM – 11 PM behind Character’s Pub.  There will also be a big 50/50 drawing and a raffle.  Check out aldcf.org for more information.

Sep 15  Elkhart Hill Tour.  The Elkhart Historical Society will be hosting their tours of Elkhart Hill again this year. Tickets are $5 each by reservation only.  Please call 217-947-2238 for more information.  All proceeds will go to Elkhart Historical Society.

Sep 15  Harvest of Talents Golf PlayDay North Greens Golf Course, Atlanta, IL Best ball format; door prizes, hole prizes. Lunch with homemade pie included in registration ($50/person) To register, please call [phone].

Sep 16  Red, White, and Blue Sunday.  The Park Meadows Baptist Church would like to invite everyone to this special event which allows us to honor the fire departments, emergency services, and law enforcement personnel.  A potluck style meal will be provided after the morning service for all guests & their families & shared by church members.  All Fire Department, Emergency Services, Law Enforcement & Corrections Personnel are invited and encouraged to be present.  The event will be located at the church (800 Memorial Park Rd., Lincoln).  For more information, please contact 217-732-6900.

Sept 16  Lincoln Speedway Presentation.  Come to the Lincoln Speedway on April 21, 2007 to see O’Reilly Poweri Midgets & Mini Sprints plus modifieds and wild things.  Hot laps begin at 6:00 PM and the race is on at 6:30 PM.  Adults are $10 each and children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.  For more information, please visit www.lincolnspeedway.org.

Sep 22  Cruise In.  The Railsplitter Antique Auto Club will once again be hosting their monthly classic car cruise ins on the downtown Lincoln square.  They will be held from 5 PM to 9 PM, on the fourth Saturday of the month, starting in April and ending in September. 

Sep 22  Elkhart Fall Festival. Sponsored by the Village of Elkhart, this fun family event will take place on Saturday September 22, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  All Are Welcome!  Come and enjoy a day in the country in picturesque Elkhart located on Famous Route 66, just off I 55 at exit 115.  The whole of the main street will be closed for the day for an Open Air Flea and Craft Market, Food Stalls, Fun Kid's Activities, an Antique Tractor Show, a Model A Vintage Car Show and Farmer's market which includes Baked Goods.  Music will be played, with some of it performed live, throughout the day.  A special event will be a display of Indian Artifacts with local authority Mr. Bill Bryson on hand to answer any questions.  The public is invited to bring in their own finds to show Mr. Bryson who will help identify and date the pieces at no charge.  There will be a 50/50 Raffle with tickets selling for $5.00.  The draw will take place in the afternoon.  The winner need not be present. All the Main Street shops and Restaurants will be open all day....and there will be a few surprises so come join in the fun 

Sep 22  Lincoln Speedway Presentation.  Come to the Lincoln Speedway on April 21, 2007 to see The Wild Thing Nationals, $1,500 to win.  Hot laps begin at 6:00 PM and the race is on at 6:30 PM.  Adults are $10 each and children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.  For more information, please visit www.lincolnspeedway.org.

Sep 23  Fall Farm Day In Logan County.  The Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County, in conjunction with local agriculture industries, will be holding our first ever Fall Farm Day.  This year, festivities will be centralized in the Beason area, at Gail’s Pumpkin Patch.  An Agricultural Tour, starting at the Railsplitter Covered Wagon in Lincoln, will be available.  The Tour will feature locations such as Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, Irwin’s Dairy, the Robert Buckles Round Barn, Hoblit Seed, and Prairie Earth Farms.  Tickets for the tour are limited, so call ahead with your reservations.  Tickets are $2 per person.  Call 217-732-8687 for reservations.  Watch our website at www.abe66.com for updates!

Sep 29  National Weather Service Open House.  The National Weather Service in Lincoln, Illinois, is having an Open House at their facility (1362 State Route 10, Lincoln) on Saturday September 29 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. It will be open to anybody that wishes to tour the facility and see a number of displays regarding the National Weather Service and other agencies that they partner with (Emergency management agencies, American Red Cross, etc...).  They will be hosting this rain or shine (hopefully shine!)

Oct  Lincoln Library Teen Volunteer Program.  Lincoln Public Library District is interviewing for new workers in the Teen Volunteer Program.  Teens may pick up applications at the Youth Services desk in the Library Annex.

Oct  Lincoln Library Story Times, Crafts Classes, and Events.  Story times, Craft Classes, and special events will take place at the Library mid-September through mid-November.  Call 732-5732 for more information.  Advance registration is required.  Registrations will begin September 10.

Oct  Lincoln Library Literature Computer.  The Youth Services Department at the Lincoln Public Library has a new literature based game computer for youths 8 – 15.  No Internet card is needed to use this station.  The computer and software were purchased with grant money from the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation.

Oct 1  Blood Drive.  Come give the gift of life at the Lincoln Masonic Center (located at 2022 N. Kickapoo Street) from Noon until 6:00pm.  This blood drive is sponsored by Lincoln Kiwanis.  All blood collected at this blood drive supports Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Oct 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31  Lincoln Farmer’s Market.  Come out to Latham Park from 7 AM – 12 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting May 5 to view and purchase the finest produce local crowers have to offer.  If you need more information, please contact 217-732-6962.

Oct 6  Cruisin’ 66 Cookout, Cruise, & Car Show.  The Cruisin’ 66 group is gearing up for their first ever Route 66 Cruise and Car Show.  The cruise will begin in Atlanta and end in Elkhart, giving you the best view of Logan County’s Route 66 icons.  Afterward, they’ll be holding a car show with prizes.  More information will be coming soon, so watch www.abe66.com for more!  Then come on out to the Wal-Mart parking lot in Lincoln to enjoy some good food and great Route 66 fun.  The event begins at 11 AM and continues until 4 PM.  For just $3, get a hamburger or hotdog with a bag of chips and a pop or water.  If brats are more your thing, how about trying a brat with a bag of chips and a pop or water for only $4?  Lynn the Clown will be on hand for face painting and balloon animals so bring the kids and have some great fun.

Oct 13 Habitat for Humanity Annual Recognition Dinner / Dance. Habitat for Humanity will hold the dinner/dance at the American Legion on 5th Street in Lincoln. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:00, and the recognition program and the dance are at 7:00. Music is provided by The Turner Trio. In addition to recognizing those who have been significant supporters of Habitat during the year, this event is also a fund raiser for Habitat. Tickets may be purchased in advance at A.G. Edwards & Sons, MKS Jewelers, or by calling 217-732-2861.

Oct 20  Elkhart Hill Tour.  The Elkhart Historical Society will be hosting their tours of Elkhart Hill again this year. Tickets are $5 each by reservation only.  Please call 217-947-2238 for more information.  All proceeds will go to Elkhart Historical Society.

Oct 27 24th Annual Harvest Day Harvest of Talents for World Hunger Lincoln Christian Church, Lincoln, IL. Something for everyone; handicap accessible. Doors open at 7 a.m.; No admission charge.  Breakfast, lunch, snacks, handcrafts for sale, demonstrations, children's activities, 2:00 live auction of unique handmade items. All proceeds to world hunger relief. For more information, contact [phone] or email [e-mail].

Oct 30 – Nov 11  Christmas Memories Quilt Show.  The Christmas Memories Quilt Show at Postville Courthouse State Historic Site will be back again this year.  Featuring lovely period quilts of all designs and holiday themes.  Hours are 12 PM to 4 PM.  This show is co-sponsored by Postville Courthouse and Lincoln’s Logan County Arts & Crafts Guild.  Come and enjoy the beautiful quilts and vote for your favorite.  Tour the historic site at 914 Fifth Street in Lincoln.  Free and open to the public.  For more information, please call 217-735-4977 or 217-732-4527.

Nov 5  Blood Drive.  Come give the gift of life at the Lincoln Masonic Center (located at 2022 N. Kickapoo Street) from Noon until 6:00pm.  This blood drive is sponsored by Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.  All blood collected at this blood drive supports Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Nov 17 – 18  Christmas on Vinegar Hill.  Come and shop and browse at Mt. Pulaski’s annual Christmas on Vinegar Hill celebration.  Citywide displays, homes, schools, churches and businesses, crafts and food.  Plan on spending the day and join in on all the holiday cheer.  Saturday from 8 AM – 5 PM and Sunday from 12 PM – 4 PM.  For more information, please call 217-792-5698.

Nov 24  Pride of the Prairie Folk Art and Craft Show.  Kick off your holiday shopping here!  The Lincoln Park District proudly presents this annual event, featuring area artists and crafters bringing together a collection of their finest artisans and craftsmen.  The doors will open at 8 AM and close at 4 PM.  For more information, call 217-732-8770.

Dec 1  Elkhart Christmas in the Chapel. Details coming soon! Contact Gillette Ransom at 217-947-2238.

Dec 3  Blood Drive.  Come give the gift of life at the Lincoln Masonic Center (located at 2022 N. Kickapoo Street) from Noon until 6:00pm.  This blood drive is sponsored by Lincoln United Methodist Church.  All blood collected at this blood drive supports Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Feb (TBA), 2008  Annual Looking For Lincoln Luncheon/Dinner.  Come out and  celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday with this wonderful dinner!  More information available soon!

Feb 9, 2008  Postville Courthouse Abe Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration.  Postville Courthouse will once again be celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday in style, and the public is invited to attend!  Postville volunteers will be conducting tours and will be serving birthday cake and punch.  Period music will be playing throughout the event and the Arts and Craft Guild will have their children’s event from 10 AM to 12 PM in the historic courtroom.  Contest winners will also be announced.  Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln interpreters will be on hand to greet you.  The hours for the event are 10 AM to 4 PM.  This event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted.  For more information, call 217-732-8930 or 217-737-0979.  More information available soon!

Jun 13 & 14, 2008  Logan County Route 66 Garage Sale: 37 Miles of Smiles!  Are you looking for a great time on Route 66, but love to go garage saleing?  Well look no further, because we have the Garage Sale for you!  The Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County is pleased to present the Second Annual Logan County Route 66 Garage Sale.  Thirty-Seven miles of Route 66 in Logan County, covered in sales and vendors, flea markets and food.  It all happens on June 13 & 14 from 8 AM – 6 PM.  For visitor and vendor information, check out www.route66garagesale.com or contact 217-732-8687.

July (TBA), 2008  Heritage Days.  Once again, the city of Lincoln will be opening it’s doors to celebrate our Independence!  Shops downtown will be holding sidewalk sales, there will also be dancing and music.  The annual fireworks show will begin at dusk on July 4.

Jul 29 – Aug 3, 2008  Logan County Fair.  Come and relax and enjoy the Best of Logan County!  Daily activities include 4-H shows, a queen pageant, live entertainment, and a carnival full of food, games, & displays.  For more information, call 217-732-3311.

Aug 22 – 24, 2008  Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival.  Come out to the Airport in Logan County to experience the beauty and wonder of Hot Air Balloons in flight.  Downtown, see all of the art vendors and pick up some beautiful pieces.  Activities include several balloon launches, evening balloon glows, musical entertainment, food, an art and craft show, the Art of Wine, and much more.  For more information, please call 217-735-2385.

Aug 24, 2008  1800’s Craft Fair.  Postville Courthouse will once again be hosting their 1800’s Craft Fair on the final day of the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival.  The Public is invited to come and see 19^th century crafters from surrounding areas demonstrating their skills.  Local crafters are also included.  Music and other entertainment will be provided.  Call 217-732-8930 or 217-737-0979 for more information. 

Sep 12 – 14, 2008  Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest and Crafts Festival.  38^th Annual festival will be a fun and educational event for all ages – rail splitting, corn shucking, tomahawk throwing, pioneer village, antique car and tractors, historical displays, Lincoln presentations, quilt show, crafters, flea market, kids games, food vendors and much more.  Check out www.railsplitting.com or call 217-732-8687 for more information. 

Nov (TBA), 2008  Christmas Memories Quilt Show.  The Christmas Memories Quilt Show at Postville Courthouse State Historic Site will be back again this year.  Featuring lovely period quilts of all designs and holiday themes.  Hours are 12 PM to 4 PM.  This show is co-sponsored by Postville Courthouse and Sew Many Friends.  Come and enjoy the beautiful quilts and vote for your favorite.  Tour the historic site at 914 Fifth Street in Lincoln.  Free and open to the public.  For more information, please call 217-735-4977 or 217-732-4527.

Central Illinois Events

Sep 1  Mason City Limits Presents: Drew Hastings.  Show Times are: 7:15 & 9:30.
There is a one drink minimum in the showroom.  (It doesn’t have to be alcoholic, but we are funnier if it is!).
18 and up w/ valid I.D. only are permitted.  A $ .50 charge will be added to each ticket with credit card orders.
For up to date information and ticket reservations check www.mclimits.com or call 217.482.LAFF (5233).  Mason City Limits is located at 114 E. Chestnut Street, Mason City, Illinois, next to Jack and Jo’s Steakhouse.

Sep 7 & 8  Mason City Limits Presents: Todd Yohn.  Two Shows each night, all Shows $12.50 per person.  Show Times are: 7:15 & 9:30.
Friday 7:15 show is Non-Smoking, otherwise there will be a smoking section available.
There is a one drink minimum in the showroom.  (It doesn’t have to be alcoholic, but we are funnier if it is!).
18 and up w/ valid I.D. only are permitted.  A $ .50 charge will be added to each ticket with credit card orders.
For up to date information and ticket reservations check www.mclimits.com or call 217.482.LAFF (5233).  Mason City Limits is located at 114 E. Chestnut Street, Mason City, Illinois, next to Jack and Jo’s Steakhouse.

Sep 8 & 9  Art Spectacular at the Carillon.  A fund raiser for the Rees Memorial Carillon, the 2^nd annual ART SPECTACULAR at the Carillon will be held on September 8 and 9 in Washington Park (Chatham Rd. & Fayette St., Springfield).  Hours are Saturday 10 – 5, and Sunday 10-4.  This free, juried fine art and craft fair presents the opportunity to view, purchase and own beautiful original artwork by 35 artists from seven states in a wide variety of artistic mediums. Kids’ Place will be the location for a special guest appearance by St. Louis artist Charles Houska on Saturday from 11-4, presenting a wonderful opportunity for children to interact with a popular artist who loves working with kids!  Admission to Kids’ Place is $1/child.  Charles Houska is also donating a piece of his artwork for the Silent Auction to benefit the Carillon.  As a Springfield native whose work is widely acclaimed, Houska’s piece is expected to be a popular item.   “Dressed for Company” by local watercolorist, Shirley Caldwell Smith, is the title for Art Spectacular’s first annual souvenir print. Books for Kids, a community-wide drive to collect new and gently-used children’s books for K-6^th graders,  culminates at Art Spectacular.  Please bring a book for a kid. Other features:  Musicians, Gift Basket Raffle, Food Vendors  More Information: www.carillon-rees.org  or   217-787-3532 

Sep 21 & 22  Mason City Limits Presents: Tim Cavanaugh.  It’s a Sesquicentennial Celebration at the Mason City Limits!  Two Shows each night, all Shows $12.50 per person.  Show Times are: 7:15 & 9:30.
Friday 7:15 show is Non-Smoking, otherwise there will be a smoking section available.
There is a one drink minimum in the showroom.  (It doesn’t have to be alcoholic, but we are funnier if it is!).
18 and up w/ valid I.D. only are permitted.  A $ .50 charge will be added to each ticket with credit card orders.
For up to date information and ticket reservations check www.mclimits.com or call 217.482.LAFF (5233).  Mason City Limits is located at 114 E. Chestnut Street, Mason City, Illinois, next to Jack and Jo’s Steakhouse

Logan County Meetings

Sep 17  LCGHS Meeting.  The Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society will be holding a meeting at 6:30 PM on September 17, at 114 N. Chicago St., Lincoln, IL.  The public is invited to attend.  This meeting’s topic will be “is it really an antique, or is it junk?”

Oct 15  LCGHS Meeting.  The Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society will be holding a meeting at 6:30 PM on October 15, at 114 N. Chicago St., Lincoln, IL.  The public is invited to attend.  This meeting, John Durdle will speak about "Trip to Germany for researching family".

[Text copied from file received from the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County]

Area attractions and sites