National Railsplitting Contest at the Logan County Fair on Sunday

[August 02, 2013]  This year the Logan County Railsplitting Association decided to take a break from hosting their annual Railsplitter Festival in September. However, that doesn't mean there won't be a National Railsplitting Contest in Logan County this year.

The association recently announced that they are going to have the competition but that it will be done on the last day of the Logan County Fair.

According to Darlene Begolka, the event will take place Sunday afternoon at the fair. Begolka said the competitions will be on the north end of the fair midway. She explained that the spot they will use is the area that will be vacated by the antique tractor club before Sunday afternoon.

The events will start with the amateur split beginning at 12:30 p.m. The junior split is expected to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m., and the national competition will commence at 3 p.m.

The competition is open to anyone who wishes to participate. The rules require that competitors bring their own tools, wear long pants and sturdy shoes.

In addition to the splitting competitions, the annual festival has always featured a re-enactment of the christening of the city of Lincoln by Abraham Lincoln.

Begolka said the re-enactment will also take place on Sunday and is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. in front of the grandstand, right before the demolition derby begins. There will also be a railsplitting demonstration at that time.

In addition, there will be a Railsplitting Association tent at the fair. Folks who are interested in railsplitting and would like to become a part of this historical pastime are encouraged to stop by and visit with the folks there.

While the annual festival won't be taking place in September, some of the events that are a big part of the festival will still happen. The Civil War Ball is scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Lincoln Park District Rec Center. During fair week, tickets for the annual ball will be available for purchase.

Anyone who is interested in the competition or would like to learn more about the event is asked to contact Bob Rankin at 217-737-7841.

[By NILA SMITH]