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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T170000
DTSTAMP:20260710T180525
CREATED:20260121T205133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T200334Z
UID:10001711-1787385600-1787418000@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:Ottawa's Debate Days
DESCRIPTION: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\, and Debate Days Parade. \nClick here to check out our Lincoln Douglas Bobbleheads\, available in a set or separately. \nWant to join the Debate Days Parade? Check out this form. \nThe Great Taste Debate\n \n  \n The Great Taste Debate: Lincoln vs. Douglas August 15–23\, 2026 Downtown Ottawa\, Illinois\nAs part of Ottawa’s Debate Days\, step into history—and help decide it.\nWelcome 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.\n How It Works:\nParticipating locations will feature two special items:\n Lincoln – classic\, hearty\, traditional Douglas – bold\, creative\, unexpected\nVisit participating spots\, try one (or both!)\, and cast your vote to decide who wins the debate.\n How to Participate:\n Visit official Taste Debate stops Choose your side: Lincoln or Douglas Scan the QR code to vote Make your case!\n We’re currently selecting participating locations—stay tuned for the official lineup!\n Awards Include:Great Taste Debate Champion (Overall Winner)Best Lincoln ItemBest Douglas ItemPeople’s Choice Award\n Limited locations. One week only.\nWhere Lincoln debated… now you decide.History you can taste.\n  \nSchedule\nSaturday the 15th \nPuzzle contest 10am & 4pm @ Scouting Museum \nEvent @ LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm \nTicketed Gala @ Ottawa Center for the Arts (evening) \nArt Show w/ Lincoln Theme by Ottawa Arts Committee \nFlag Scavenger Hunt from 8/15 – 8/22 \nSunday the 16th \nLecture on Black Hawk Wars 11am @ Scouting Museum \nTicketed Mrs. Lincoln/Douglas Character Tea @ Reddick Mansion 2pm\, with Quilt Trunk Show \nMonday the 17th \nLecture on Early Pioneers 6pm @ Scouting Museum \nStore Deals \nTours \nTuesday the 18th \nLecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm @ Scouting Museum \nStore Deals \nTours \nWednesday the 19th \nStore Deals \nTours \nChris Vallillo Concert @ the Abbey 7pm \nThursday the 20th \nLecture on the 7 Debates 6pm @ Scouting Museum \nStore Deals \nTours \nFriday the 21st \nStore Deals \nTours \nThird Friday Market \nBest Beard Contest 5:30pm in Washington Park \n \nMusic by Illinois 33rd Band in Washington Park 6pm w/ Lincoln & Douglas Impersonators \nSaturday the 22nd \nStore Deals \nTours \nOld Time Fair w/ Farmers & Makers Market on Jackson St. from 11am to 4pm (fair is FREE) \nCarriage Rides pick up on Columbus/Jackson St Corner (Time TBD) \nRe-enactment of Lincoln Douglas Debate 4-5pm \nIce Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm w/ Scouting Museum 6pm \nMusic in the Park 6-9pm \nSunday the 23rd \nStore Deals \nTours \n250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here) \nInterested in joining the parade?
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/debate-days/2026-08-22/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Get Educated,Historic Downtown,History,Live Music,Outdoor,Seasonal
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/debate-days.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T170000
DTSTAMP:20260710T180525
CREATED:20260121T205133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T200334Z
UID:10001769-1787472000-1787504400@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:Ottawa's Debate Days
DESCRIPTION: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\, and Debate Days Parade. \nClick here to check out our Lincoln Douglas Bobbleheads\, available in a set or separately. \nWant to join the Debate Days Parade? Check out this form. \nThe Great Taste Debate\n \n  \n The Great Taste Debate: Lincoln vs. Douglas August 15–23\, 2026 Downtown Ottawa\, Illinois\nAs part of Ottawa’s Debate Days\, step into history—and help decide it.\nWelcome 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.\n How It Works:\nParticipating locations will feature two special items:\n Lincoln – classic\, hearty\, traditional Douglas – bold\, creative\, unexpected\nVisit participating spots\, try one (or both!)\, and cast your vote to decide who wins the debate.\n How to Participate:\n Visit official Taste Debate stops Choose your side: Lincoln or Douglas Scan the QR code to vote Make your case!\n We’re currently selecting participating locations—stay tuned for the official lineup!\n Awards Include:Great Taste Debate Champion (Overall Winner)Best Lincoln ItemBest Douglas ItemPeople’s Choice Award\n Limited locations. One week only.\nWhere Lincoln debated… now you decide.History you can taste.\n  \nSchedule\nSaturday the 15th \nPuzzle contest 10am & 4pm @ Scouting Museum \nEvent @ LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm \nTicketed Gala @ Ottawa Center for the Arts (evening) \nArt Show w/ Lincoln Theme by Ottawa Arts Committee \nFlag Scavenger Hunt from 8/15 – 8/22 \nSunday the 16th \nLecture on Black Hawk Wars 11am @ Scouting Museum \nTicketed Mrs. Lincoln/Douglas Character Tea @ Reddick Mansion 2pm\, with Quilt Trunk Show \nMonday the 17th \nLecture on Early Pioneers 6pm @ Scouting Museum \nStore Deals \nTours \nTuesday the 18th \nLecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm @ Scouting Museum \nStore Deals \nTours \nWednesday the 19th \nStore Deals \nTours \nChris Vallillo Concert @ the Abbey 7pm \nThursday the 20th \nLecture on the 7 Debates 6pm @ Scouting Museum \nStore Deals \nTours \nFriday the 21st \nStore Deals \nTours \nThird Friday Market \nBest Beard Contest 5:30pm in Washington Park \n \nMusic by Illinois 33rd Band in Washington Park 6pm w/ Lincoln & Douglas Impersonators \nSaturday the 22nd \nStore Deals \nTours \nOld Time Fair w/ Farmers & Makers Market on Jackson St. from 11am to 4pm (fair is FREE) \nCarriage Rides pick up on Columbus/Jackson St Corner (Time TBD) \nRe-enactment of Lincoln Douglas Debate 4-5pm \nIce Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm w/ Scouting Museum 6pm \nMusic in the Park 6-9pm \nSunday the 23rd \nStore Deals \nTours \n250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here) \nInterested in joining the parade?
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/debate-days/2026-08-23/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Get Educated,Historic Downtown,History,Live Music,Outdoor,Seasonal
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/debate-days.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T140000
DTSTAMP:20260710T180525
CREATED:20260624T145354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T145354Z
UID:10002082-1787490000-1787493600@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:Debate Days 250th Anniversary Parade
DESCRIPTION:JOIN THE 2026 DEBATE DAYS PARADE! Application form below!\nGet ready to wave the flags\, crank up the patriotic music\, and celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in true Ottawa style! \nThe 2026 Debate Days Parade returns to Downtown Ottawa on:\n📅 Sunday\, August 23\, 2026\n🕐 1:00 PM\n📍 Downtown Ottawa\, IL – LaSalle Street \nThis year’s parade celebrates the 250th Anniversary of American Independence\, and we’re inviting the entire community to be part of this unforgettable celebration of history\, hometown pride\, and red\, white & blue fun.\nWe’re looking for:\n⭐ Floats\n⭐ Marching groups\n⭐ Decorated vehicles & golf carts\n⭐ Bands & music groups\n⭐ Classic cars\n⭐ Businesses & nonprofits\n⭐ Schools\, churches\, clubs & teams\n⭐ Families\, community groups & patriotic personalities \nWhether you go historic\, hilarious\, creative\, musical\, or full-on star-spangled spectacular — we want YOU in the parade!\n🎉 Parade staging begins at 11:30 AM\n🎉 All entries must be in place by 12:30 PM\n📝 Registration is NOW OPEN!\nEntry deadline: Saturday\, August 1\, 2026\nLet’s fill LaSalle Street with flags\, music\, community spirit\, and celebration as Ottawa honors 250 years of America.\nWe can’t wait to see what this community creates!\nhttps://forms.office.com/r/XuAG96bn6X
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/debate-days-250th-anniversary-parade/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Holiday,Kids Corner,Live Music,Outdoor,Parade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/debatedaysparade.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260918T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260918T210000
DTSTAMP:20260710T180525
CREATED:20260121T172340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T135426Z
UID:10001658-1789750800-1789765200@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:Ottawa's Third Friday Maker's Market
DESCRIPTION:Arts’ culture and entertainment come alive in downtown Ottawa\, IL every Third Friday of the month May – September!
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/ottawas-third-friday-makers-market/2026-09-18/
LOCATION:Madison Street
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Kids Corner,Live Music,Outdoor,Seasonal,Shopping
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-3rdfriday.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Third Friday Makers Market":MAILTO:openspaceartgallery@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261004T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261004T170000
DTSTAMP:20260710T180525
CREATED:20251112T150235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T152833Z
UID:10001542-1791100800-1791133200@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:Ottawa Fall Fest & Parade 2026
DESCRIPTION:More details TBA!
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/ottawa-fall-fest-parade-2026/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Holiday,Kids Corner,Outdoor,Seasonal
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Fox_riverwalk_fall_3-scaled.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261127T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261127T200000
DTSTAMP:20260710T180525
CREATED:20260121T213751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T213751Z
UID:10001715-1795802400-1795809600@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:Festival of Lights Parade
DESCRIPTION:Kick off the holiday season in dazzling style at Ottawa’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade! Join us in the heart of downtown as festive floats\, sparkling lights\, and holiday music fill the streets with cheer. This magical tradition brings families and friends together to celebrate the season\, with a joyful procession that lights up the night and hearts alike.\n\nBundle up\, bring the cocoa\, and make your way downtown for a holiday experience you won’t want to miss!
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/festival-of-lights-parade-2026/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Christmas,Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Holiday,Kids Corner,Outdoor,Seasonal
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_9559-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261205T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261205T170000
DTSTAMP:20260710T180525
CREATED:20260119T203549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T203549Z
UID:10001649-1796457600-1796490000@www.visitottawail.com
SUMMARY:A Very Merry Harbor Christmas
DESCRIPTION:A Very Merry Harbor Christmas transforms Heritage Harbor into a festive holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights\, seasonal cheer\, and family-friendly activities. Guests can enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus\, horse-drawn carriage rides\, holiday shopping\, and the warmth of bonfires\, all culminating in the beloved lighting of the Harbor Christmas tree to celebrate the start of the holiday season. More details TBA!
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/a-very-merry-harbor-christmas/
LOCATION:Heritage Harbor Ottawa\, 2 Great Loop\, Ottawa\, IL\, 61350\, United States
CATEGORIES:Christmas,Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Holiday,Kids Corner,Seasonal
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4Z6A0215-scaled.jpg
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