Debate Days is Ottawa’s take on the nation’s 250th festivities, as well as a celebration of our own history. History comes alive in Ottawa, as you walk down her historic streets, stepping in the footprints of influential figures like President Lincoln, the Radium Girls, and countless others. We’re showcasing the past of our wonderful community and inviting you along for the fun!
From August 15 to 23, join us in the Middle of Everywhere for Debate Days. This blog post will be your guide to nine days of excitement, history, arts, and more. Find the full schedule for Debate Days here. Don’t forget to check out our Debate Days Swag or Lincoln-Douglas Bobbleheads to celebrate in style!
– Participating locations throughout Ottawa, August 15 – August 23. Winner announced August 24.
Welcome to The Great Taste Debate, a citywide food & drink experience where local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries, and ice cream spots go head-to-head in a delicious showdown inspired by Lincoln and Douglas. Participating locations will feature two special items: Lincoln – classic, hearty, traditional OR Douglas – bold, creative, unexpected
Visit participating spots, try one (or both!), and cast your vote to decide who wins the debate.
How to Participate:
Visit official Taste Debate stops
Choose your side: Lincoln or Douglas
Scan the QR code to vote: https://forms.gle/9gMbWGrdUar596gr9
Make your case!
Flag Scavenger Hunt
– (First stop is OVC), Throughout Downtown Ottawa from August 15 – 22
Take a walk through our historic town of Ottawa, IL. There are 10 historic flag signs located in store windows around town. When you have completed the form, return it to the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum to claim your goodie bag!
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum Events
Ottawa Puzzle Challenge: August 15, at 10 am OR 2 pm
Can your team put together a custom Ottawa puzzle faster than everyone else? In teams of two, complete a custom Ottawa-themed puzzle first to win a $100 prize! Cost is $50 per team. You can also take part in a puzzle swap.
Historical Lectures: August 16 – 18
Learn about some of Ottawa’s rich and vibrant history from local historians and researchers in these enlightening lectures. Black Hawk Wars lecture on 8/16 at 11 am, The 7 Debates lecture on 8/17 at 6 pm, and Lincoln’s in Town lecture on 8/18 at 6 pm.
Ottawa Center for the Arts Legacy Gala
– August 15 at the Great Hall & The Abbey, from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Experience a party for the arts! Food stations, open bar, entertainment, and more await.
Reddick Mansion Quilt Trunk Show + Mrs. Lincoln & Douglas Tea
– At the Reddick Mansion on August 16, starting at 2 pm.
Explore beautiful quilts, hear the stories stitched into every piece, and enjoy an afternoon tea inspired by the Lincoln-Douglas era. Tickets for the Quilt Raffle are $10 each or 6 for $50, available at the OVC, Scouting Museum, & Reddick Mansion. Presented in partnership with the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum + The Reddick Mansion Association.
Abraham Lincoln in Song, with Chris Vallillo
– at The Abbey (Ottawa Center for the Arts) on August 19, at 7 pm
With Abraham Lincoln in Song, Vallillo takes the audience on a musical journey, making history come alive with his excellent blending of music and storytelling.
Tale of Two Bluffs Showing
– At The Roxy on August 20, at 7 pm.
Experience Ottawa history like never before. Enjoy a free showing of the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum’s documentaries at The Roxy in Ottawa. Catch “Forgotten Valor: The Life and Death of General W.H.L. Wallace” & “John Hossack: No Apologies”
– In Washington Park on August 21, starting at 5:30.
Debate Days is all about enjoying some historically-inspired festivities. That’s why we’re holding the Best Beard Contest. Categories include Longest Beard, Best Styled Beard, Most Legendary, “Looks-Like-He-Lives-in-the-Woods-Award,” and Crowd Favorite. Contestants, spectators, and beard envy welcome!
Sign up for the Best Beard Contest today!
– 2011 Caton Road on August 21, from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Experience one of the most elegant events of Debate Days as we invite you to a A Toast to Lincoln & Douglas at the historic Valley View. Get your tickets today!
Spend the evening enjoying:
An open bar featuring beer, wine & seltzers
Delicious appetizers from Valentino’s Pasta • Wine
A tour of the beautiful pre-Civil War estate
Stories from local historian Tom Aussem
Special appearances by Abraham Lincoln & Stephen A. Douglas
Music by Illinois 33rd Band
-At Washington Park on August 21, at 6 pm
Enjoy a free performance by the Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band.
Free Old Time Fair in Washington Park
– Washington Park on August 22, from 11 am to 4 pm.
A day of old-fashioned fun for the whole family! Free games & activities! Enjoy classic festival fun like a watermelon eating contest, rubber duck pond, ring toss, fishbowl toss, egg race, and more. Face painter will be available from 11 am to 3 pm.
YSB Scoops & Smiles
– Washington Park on August 22, from 11 am to 1 pm
The Youth Service Bureau is observing its 50th anniversary this year, so this calls for a celebration! Enjoy a free ice cream treat at the Old Time Fair in Washington Park.
Carriage Rides
– Pickup at Reddick Mansion on August 22, from 1 to 4 pm.
The carriage will also make an appearance in the Debate Days Parade on August 23.
U.S. Candidates
– At Washington Park on August 22, at 1:30 pm
US Candidates for a state or county position are welcome to visit and will have a few minutes to speak each.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Reenactment
– Washington Park on August 22, at 4 pm
The reenactment features Fritz Klein as Lincoln, and Brian “Fox” Ellis as Douglas.
Ice Cream Social
– At Washington Park on August 22, at 6 pm.
The Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum will hold their ice cream social in Washington Park on August 22, from 6 to 7 pm. $5 a ticket. Includes lemonade, ice cream, and cake.
Grand Illinois Trail Bike Ride on the I&M Canal
– the I&M Canal Trail
The Grand Illinois Trail is nearly 500-miles of trails and designated-roads for hiking and biking in northern Illinois. First conceived in the mid-1990s, the Grand Illinois Trail is today a network of locally-managed trails which create a route for long-distance recreation.
Awesome Ottawa Tours will hold tours during the event that showcase Ottawa’s history. A special tour, “Lincoln’s Ottawa: Stories From Valley View” will be available as well. Learn where Lincoln’s story and Ottawa intersect.
Don’t forget to tour the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum, and the Reddick Mansion. You can also grab a Heritage Tourbook from the OVC to take a self-led walking/driving tour of historic downtown Ottawa.
– Downtown Ottawa, parade begins at 1 pm on August 23.
The Debate Days Parade honors Ottawa history and the nation’s 250th birthday. Help us fill LaSalle Street with music, community spirit, and celebration! We’re especially excited to include a 35-ft Abraham Lincoln balloon in our parade.
