Lincoln weekend good for Vandalia
It was a good weekend to be in Vandalia if you were a fan of all things Abraham Lincoln. Everywhere one looked, it seemed, there was something going on related to our 16th president.
And that was a good thing for Vandalia.
Among the major events of the weekend were:
• Special programs for children and adults at the National Road Interpretive Center on Saturday.
• The third annual Lincoln Victory Ball on Saturday evening at the Moose.
• The Lincoln’s birthday program at the Vandalia Statehouse on Sunday, featuring a program on “Lincoln and Slavery” by Bond County historian Kevin Kaegy.
• A special display of Lincoln-related items was featured at the Fayette County Museum.
It was, indeed, a unique opportunity to learn about several aspects of Lincoln’s life and political career, which began right here in Vandalia. And events such as the Lincoln Victory Ball gave participants a glimpse into the social life of that era.
By compressing the events into one weekend, it produced an attractive package to lure out-of-town residents to Vandalia. In fact, those out-of-towners outnumbered the locals at the Saturday evening ball. Many participants had elaborate period clothing and accessories. Some even made it a family affair, bringing their children along to the dance.
Events like these put Vandalia on the map as a destination. And when people come here, it does good things for the local restaurants, motels and other businesses that serve the traveling public. Thanks to all who made the weekend a success.
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