Abraham Lincoln in Song with Chris Vallillo
2026-08-19 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | The Abbey, 113 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
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.
-Phil Funkenbusch, Director of Theaters, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

The life of Abraham Lincoln spanned a period of change, growth and struggle in our young nation, and the music of his era movingly characterizes these remarkable times. From his days as a flat-boater, through his time at New Salem, his years as a circuit lawyer and on up through his presidency, Lincoln’s life is a microcosm of the development of Illinois during that period.
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Abraham Lincoln in Song helps shed light on one of history’s most beloved figures “not only as a remarkable leader, but as a man,” who knew and loved many of these very songs himself. Special emphasis is placed on showing Lincoln ‘s unique bond with the common man and his desire for reconciliation, not revenge. It is an extensively researched, historically accurate program Chris uses period music Lincoln may well have known and sung, and Lincoln ‘s own stories to illustrate his life and put it into context.
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The show is designed to be an interactive, accessible, program that educates as well as entertains. It covers Lincoln ‘s life from his birth on the big south fork of Nolan’s Creek in Kentucky in 1809 through his death in 1865. It has been performed in association with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, The Lincoln Home National Historic site, Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum and various touring exhibits including Forever Free from the Huntington Library and “Lincoln, the Constitution and the Civil War” from the Library of Congress and the American Library Association. Abraham Lincoln in Song has recently been endorsed by the Illinois Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. The show works well for both school audiences (grade 3 and up) and adult audiences.

Chris Vallillo is a singer/songwriter and roots musician who makes the people and places of “unmetropolitan” America come to life in song. Having spent the last 30 years in the rural Midwest, he has a natural affinity for American roots music. Performing on six-string and bottleneck slide guitars, Vallillo weaves original, contemporary, and traditional songs and narratives into a compelling and entertaining portrait of the history and lifestyles of the Midwest. Dirty Linen magazine described the music as, “vivid, original story songs” delivered with an “eye for detail and a sense of history” while Folk Wax Magazine Editor, Arthur Wood said “Vallillo’s guitar playing flows like warm honey and is a true aural delight.” Vallillo’s music has a timeless quality about it. You can hear the strains of the Carter Family and Jimmy Rogers reflected in his writing. Its roots based original and contemporary folk with the rich acoustic textures of bottleneck slide, finger style and flat picked guitars that echo the influences of Mississippi John Hurt, Norman Blake, Doc Watson and Ry Cooder. Always a project-oriented artist, in the early 2000’s Vallillo began creating one man shows using music as the vehicle to explore a subject or theme. His 2008 project, titled Abraham Lincoln in Song, received the endorsement of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and the CD reached #10 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Album Chart. In 2016, his recording, Oh Freedom! Songs of the Civil Rights Movement charted at #6 on the folk charts and the show was staged with a band and full choir at Western IL University. That show was videoed and syndicated on Illinois Public Television. In 2021 Chris returned to his songwriter roots with a new recording, Forgottonia featuring original songs and instrumentals written about rural Illinois.

Ottawa's Debate Days
2026-08-20 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Ottawa
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.
Click here to check out our Lincoln Douglas Bobbleheads, available in a set or separately.
Want to join the Debate Days Parade? Check out this form.
Click here to sign up for the Best Beard Contest
Interested in being a vendor? Contact the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 433-0084 or
info@ottawachamberillinois.com.

Debate Days Swag is HERE!

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!
The lineup so far: Keagan’s Irish Pub, Downtown Nutrition, Berta’s, Harbor House by Valentino’s, Ottawa Bakery, Jeremiah Joe Coffee, Misfits, Bar Dolci, Rosati’s, and McDonald’s of Ottawa.
Awards Include:Great Taste Debate Champion (Overall Winner)Best Lincoln ItemBest Douglas ItemPeople’s Choice Award
Limited locations. One week only.
Where Lincoln debated… now you decide.History you can taste.

Debate Days August 2026 Timeline
Saturday 15th
Puzzle contest 10am and 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum
America at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors event at LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm
Ticketed Legacy Gala at Ottawa Center for the Arts 6-10pm with Douglas appearance & Art Show
Great Taste Debate
Flag Scavenger Hunt
Reddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Sunday 16th
Lecture on Black Hawk Wars 11 am Scouting Museum
Ticketed Mrs. Lincoln / Mrs Douglas (Character) tea at Reddick Mansion 2pm with Quilt Trunk Show
Great Taste Debate
Flag Scavenger Hunt
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Monday 17th
Lecture on 7 Debates 6pm at Scouting Museum
Store Deals at select stores
Flag Scavenger Hunt
Great Taste Debate
Reddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm
Tuesday 18th
Lecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm at Scouting Museum
Store Deals at select stores
Flag Scavenger Hunt
Great Taste Debate
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Wednesday 19th
Store Deals at select stores
Flag Scavenger Hunt
Chris Vallillo concert at the Abbey 7pm (free – per special events committee)
Great Taste Debate
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Thursday 20th
Store Deals at select stores
Flag Scavenger Hunt
Tale of Two Bluffs movies at the ROXY 7pm – free
Great Taste Debate
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Friday 21st
Store Deals – sidewalk sales
Tale of Two Bluffs Documentary showings @ Scouting Museum 1pm & 7pm
Third Friday Market 5-9
Best Beard Contest 5:30pm

Toast to Lincoln and Douglas @ Valley View (Get your tickets here)
Music by Illinois 33rd Band 6pm in Washington Park with Lincoln and Douglas Impersonators
Great Taste Debate
Flag Scavenger Hunt
Reddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Saturday 22nd
Store Deals- sidewalk sales
Old Time Fair in Washington Park from 11am – 4pm (fair is FREE)
YSB Scoops & Smiles 11am-1pm (free)
Farmers & Makers Market on Jackson St from 8am – 4pm
Carriage Rides 1-4pm pick up in front of Reddick Mansion
Re-enactment of Lincoln / Douglas Debate 4-5pm
Ice Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm with Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum ($5 tickets)
American Legion Post 33 cookout 6-9pm
Music in the Park 6-9pm Rosie and the Rivets
Quilt winners announced 6pm
Great Taste Debate
Flag Scavenger Hunt
Reddick Mansion Open House 11-3pm (pay as you go )
Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm
I&M Canal Ride with Open Trails

Sunday 23rd
Store Deals at select stores
250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here)
Interested in joining the parade?
Great Taste Debate winner announced- Monday on social media
Virtual Duck Race with the Ottawa Exploreum 6pm
Tale of Two Bluffs Documentary Showing @ Scouting Museum 6 pm

Bling your Book (Book Bedazzling)
2026-08-20 17:00 - 18:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For adults: Customize your own book with glitter and gems. Bring your own book or bedazzle one of ours. Registration is required as spots are limited due to the availability of supplies. To register for this class, visit our events page, stop by the Circulation desk, or call the Library at (815) 434-0509.

Tale of Two Bluffs Showing
2026-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | The Roxy, 827 La Salle St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
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” on Thursday, August 20th, at 7pm.

A Toast to Lincoln & Douglas
2026-08-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Valley View, 2011 Caton Road, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
🥂 Tickets Are Now on Sale!
Experience one of the most elegant events of Lincoln-Douglas Debate Days as we invite you to A Toast to Lincoln & Douglas at the historic Valley View.
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
Whether you’re a history lover, a Debate Days fan, or simply looking for a unique evening out, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
📅 Friday, August 21
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Valley View • 2011 Caton Road • Ottawa
🎟️ $50 per person
Tickets are now on sale, and space is limited!
🎟️ Get yours today:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-toast-to-lincoln-and-douglas

Ottawa's Third Friday Maker's Market
2026-08-21 17:00 - 21:00 | Madison Street
Arts’ culture and entertainment come alive in downtown Ottawa, IL every Third Friday of the month May – September!

Best Beard Contest
2026-08-21 17:30 - 18:30 | Washington Square Park, 100 West Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
As part of Debate Days:

Categories:
Longest Beard
Best Styled Beard
Most Legendary
Looks Like He Lives in the Woods Award
Crowd Favorite
Contestants, spectators, & beard envy welcome!

Best Beard Contest Sign-Up

Farmers and Makers Market
2026-08-22 08:00 - 12:30, 2026-08-29 08:00 - 12:30 | Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Hosted by the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market is a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings together local growers, makers, and artisans in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Illinois.

Location: Jackson Street, south side of Washington Square Park(Barricades will block access at LaSalle Street and Columbus Street)
Market Hours: Saturdays from 8 am-12:30 pm.

Butterfly Release Party
2026-08-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For all ages: Our caterpillars have transformed into beautiful butterflies. It’s time to let them go free! After the release, celebrate with crafts and snacks.

Scoops & Smiles
2026-08-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Washington Square Park, 100 West Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
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.

Old Time Fair
2026-08-22 11:00 - 16:00 | Washington Square Park, 100 West Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
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.

The Loop Group
2026-08-22 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-08-29 13:30 - 15:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Learn to knit or crochet in a friendly environment with knowledgeable people.

Ice Cream Social
2026-08-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Washington Square Park, 100 West Jackson St, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
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.

Debate Days 250th Anniversary Parade
2026-08-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Ottawa
JOIN THE 2026 DEBATE DAYS PARADE! Application form below!
Get ready to wave the flags, crank up the patriotic music, and celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in true Ottawa style!
The 2026 Debate Days Parade returns to Downtown Ottawa on:
📅 Sunday, August 23, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Downtown Ottawa, IL – LaSalle Street
This 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.
We’re looking for:
⭐ Floats
⭐ Marching groups
⭐ Decorated vehicles & golf carts
⭐ Bands & music groups
⭐ Classic cars
⭐ Businesses & nonprofits
⭐ Schools, churches, clubs & teams
⭐ Families, community groups & patriotic personalities
Whether you go historic, hilarious, creative, musical, or full-on star-spangled spectacular — we want YOU in the parade!
🎉 Parade staging begins at 11:30 AM
🎉 All entries must be in place by 12:30 PM
📝 Registration is NOW OPEN!
Entry deadline: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Let’s fill LaSalle Street with flags, music, community spirit, and celebration as Ottawa honors 250 years of America.
We can’t wait to see what this community creates!
https://forms.office.com/r/XuAG96bn6X

Dungeons & Dragons
2026-08-24 16:30 - 18:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For grades 7-12, Discover the adventure your Dungeon Master has crafted for you. Can you endure? Will you achieve your objectives?

Ready, Set, Read!
2026-08-25 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-09-01 10:00 - 10:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us every Tuesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play
after the craft if you have time. Find each week’s theme on the events
calendar on our website. This event is for children ages 3-5 years.

Yappers Book Club
2026-08-25 16:30 - 17:30 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For grades 7-12: Need a place to study or somewhere to hang out with friends? Bring schoolwork, a project, or a book to read for fun! There’s no pressure here, just friends, snacks, and time to get something done at the library.

LEGO Club
2026-08-25 17:00 - 18:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All Ages,
Use library LEGO pieces and display your build in the Children’s Department. This month’s theme is water.

Shake, Rattle, Read!
2026-08-26 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-09-02 10:00 - 10:45 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Join us every Wednesday for stories, songs, and a craft! Stay and play
after the craft if you have time. Find each week’s theme on the events
calendar. This event is for children ages birth to 3 years.

Cardboard Carnival
2026-08-27 16:30 - 17:15 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
GRADES 3-6: Do you like to play Skee Ball, the duck game, or ring toss? Design and build your favorite carnival games out of cardboard.

Homeschool Art
2026-08-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
All ages: Our own resident artist, Natalie, will be joining us to create tiny art on mini canvases! Funding for this event was provided in part by the Illinois Arts Council and the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.

Escape the Study Room Game: History Museum
2026-09-01 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-02 09:00 - 17:00 | Reddick Public Library, 1010 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
For all ages: You are new night guards at the museum and only have 45 minutes to fix the mixed-up displays before opening. Can you and your team solve the riddles in time to win a prize? Reserve a Study Room or drop in and request one, and see if you are successful. This event is for children and teens of all ages. Tuesday, September 1 through Saturday, September 19 during open hours.
