The Bicentennial event combines three successful Springfield summer events, Taste of Downtown, Springfield Jaycees Capital City Celebration, and the Secretary of State’s Ice Cream Social as the anchors for this two-day festival encompassing several blocks of downtown. Partners, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the Illinois State Museum, Lincoln Land Community College, the Old State Capitol and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum have joined forces with these three events to combine traditional Springfield 21st century celebrations with authentic period entertainment and activities representative of a Lincoln-era festival.
The Bicentennial Celebration opens Friday, July 3rd at 5:00pm with a procession from Lincoln Home National Historic Site to the Old State Capitol lead by Abraham and Mary Lincoln in a horse-drawn carriage and serenaded by Lincoln’s Own - 10th Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band at the Old State Capitol. Friday evening continues with a variety of musical performances on the Americana Music Stage, located in the “Taste of Downtown” area on Fifth Street near Washington and the Bicentennial Stage on 6th and Adams. The Springfield Jaycees will also offer a great line up of entertainment throughout the evening at the 5th & Capital Bicentennial Stage. The other stages will feature period musical performances during the early evening. The capstone for the evening will be a patriotic laser show at the Old State Capitol.
Tune in to 93.9 ABE FM on July 4th at 9:30pm to hear the fireworks musical simulcast!
For more information about Taste of Downtown presented by Downtown Springfield, Inc. click here.
For more information about the Capital City Celebration presented by the Springfield Jaycees click here.
For a complete event line-up click here.
For more information click here.
