A special festival is on the horizon in Central Illinois: Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66. Located in beautiful downtown Bloomington, IL, the three day festival will be held on July 20-22. The Festival has grown in interest and attendance and this year is sure to be outstanding as we also celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial!

Many people know a bit about Lincoln’s early life and his years spent in Washington, D.C. leading the nation through the turbulent period of the Civil War, but few are aware of his strong ties to Central Illinois, especially to the Bloomington-Normal area. Lincoln’s Festival was launched in July 2009 as an annual celebration of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln and his personal connection to our community – along with Lincoln’s connections to Shakespeare and Bloomington’s link to historic Route 66.

Here is a sample of Festival events:

• Encounters with Lincoln’s World brings history to life in Downtown Bloomington. Costumed actors will perform dramatized stories of ordinary people who became real “Hometown Heroes” by adapting to extraordinary times during the aftermath of the Civil War.
• The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts will offer a toe-tapping outdoor evening concert featuring songs from the 1950s and 60s.
• Wheel on over to the David Davis Mansion for a Wheels Through Time: A Historic Bike Exhibit to enhance appreciation for Illinois’ rich bicycling history.
• The 10th Cavalry will return with Civil War reenactments and an encampment on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus.
• The Bloomington-Normal Jaycees will present the 2nd Annual Car Show on Saturday, July 21, at Franklin Park. This year, the event will raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
• Take a step back in time during the nineteenth-century-style, “Saturday in the Park” where you will enjoy delicious picnic-style food and a free carriage ride around the Franklin Park neighborhood. Don’t be surprised if you see President Lincoln interacting with visitors as they enjoy children’s old-fashioned games, a band concert playing Lincoln-era tunes, face painting, and kids’ carnival activities.

Click here for up-to-date information on all scheduled events and their exact times and locations.

With so much to see and do during this special weekend, you won’t want to miss a thing! Fully immerse yourself in the history of Lincoln’s era by booking your stay at our historical Vrooman Mansion Bed & Breakfast, built in 1869. We are a short five minute bike-ride to all the downtown activities. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you in creating a personal itinerary for the special events. Give us a call today at (309) 828-8816 or click here to reserve your favorite room!