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Ottawa’s Debate Days

August 22 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Event Series (See All)

Ottawa’s Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun! Scroll down for the schedule, as well as information on the Great Taste Debate & Longest Beard Contest.

Click here to check out our Lincoln Douglas Bobbleheads, available in a set or separately.

 

The Great Taste Debate

 

🎩 The Great Taste Debate: Lincoln vs. Douglas
📅 August 15–23, 2026
📍 Downtown Ottawa, Illinois
As part of Ottawa’s Debate Days, step into history—and help decide it.
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.
🍽️ How It Works:
Participating locations will feature two special items:
🎩 Lincoln – classic, hearty, traditional
⚖️ 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
✔️ Make your case!
👀 We’re currently selecting participating locations—stay tuned for the official lineup!
🏆 Awards Include:
Great Taste Debate Champion (Overall Winner)
Best Lincoln Item
Best Douglas Item
People’s Choice Award
📍 Limited locations. One week only.
Where Lincoln debated… now you decide.
History you can taste.

 

Schedule

Saturday the 15th

Puzzle contest 10am & 4pm @ Scouting Museum

Event @ LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm

Ticketed Gala @ Ottawa Center for the Arts (evening)

Art Show w/ Lincoln Theme by Ottawa Arts Committee

Flag Scavenger Hunt from 8/15 – 8/22

Sunday the 16th

Lecture on Black Hawk Wars 11am @ Scouting Museum

Ticketed Mrs. Lincoln/Douglas Character Tea @ Reddick Mansion 2pm, with Quilt Trunk Show

Monday the 17th

Lecture on Early Pioneers 6pm @ Scouting Museum

Store Deals

Tours

Tuesday the 18th

Lecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm @ Scouting Museum

Store Deals

Tours

Wednesday the 19th

Store Deals

Tours

Chris Vallillo Concert @ the Abbey 7pm

Thursday the 20th

Lecture on the 7 Debates 6pm @ Scouting Museum

Store Deals

Tours

Friday the 21st

Store Deals

Tours

Third Friday Market

Best Beard Contest 5:30pm in Washington Park

Music by Illinois 33rd Band in Washington Park 6pm w/ Lincoln & Douglas Impersonators

Saturday the 22nd

Store Deals

Tours

Old Time Fair w/ Farmers & Makers Market on Jackson St. from 11am to 4pm (fair is FREE)

Carriage Rides pick up on Columbus/Jackson St Corner (Time TBD)

Re-enactment of Lincoln Douglas Debate 4-5pm

Ice Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm w/ Scouting Museum 6pm

Music in the Park 6-9pm

Sunday the 23rd

Store Deals

Tours

250th Anniversary Parade 1pm

Details

Venue

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