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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T170000
DTSTAMP:20260814T184757Z
CREATED:20260121T205133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T184757Z
UID:10002098-1787040000-1787072400@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. \nClick here to sign up for the Best Beard Contest \nInterested in being a vendor? Contact the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 433-0084 or \ninfo@ottawachamberillinois.com. \n\n\n\n\nDebate Days Swag is HERE!\n\n\n\n\n  \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  \nDebate Days August 2026 Timeline\nSaturday 15th  \nPuzzle contest 10am and 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum \nAmerica at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors event at LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm \nTicketed Legacy Gala at Ottawa Center for the Arts 6-10pm with Douglas appearance & Art Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSunday 16th  \nLecture on Black Hawk Wars 11 am Scouting Museum \nTicketed Mrs. Lincoln / Mrs Douglas (Character) tea at Reddick Mansion 2pm with Quilt Trunk Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nMonday 17th  \nLecture on 7 Debates 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nTuesday 18th  \nLecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nWednesday 19th  \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nChris Vallillo concert at the Abbey 7pm (free – per special events committee) \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nThursday 20th \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nTale of Two Bluffs movies at the ROXY 7pm – free \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nFriday 21st \nStore Deals – sidewalk sales \nThird Friday Market \nBest Beard Contest 5:30pm \n \nToast to Lincoln and Douglas @ Valley View (Get your tickets here) \nMusic by Illinois 33 rdBand 6pm in Washington Park with Lincoln and Douglas Impersonators \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSaturday 22nd \nStore Deals- sidewalk sales \nOld Time Fair in Washington Park from 11am – 4pm (fair is FREE) \nYSB Scoops & Smiles 11am-1pm (free) \nFarmers & Makers Market on Jackson St from 8am – 4pm \nCarriage Rides 1-4pm pick up in front of Reddick Mansion \nRe-enactment of Lincoln / Douglas Debate 4-5pm \nIce Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm with Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum ($5 tickets) \nAmerican Legion Post 33 cookout 6-9pm \nMusic in the Park 6-9pm Rosie and the Rivets \nQuilt winners announced 6pm \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion Open House 11-3pm (pay as you go ) \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nI&M Canal Ride with Open Trails \n  \nSunday 23rd \nStore Deals at select stores \n250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here) \nInterested in joining the parade? \nGreat Taste Debate winner announced- Monday on social media \nVirtual Duck Race with the Ottawa Exploreum 6pm
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/debate-days/2026-08-18/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Food,Get Educated,Historic Downtown,History,Holiday,Kids Corner,Live Music,Outdoor,Parade,Restaurants,Seasonal,Shopping
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/debate-days.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T170000
DTSTAMP:20260814T184757Z
CREATED:20260121T205133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T184757Z
UID:10002099-1787126400-1787158800@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. \nClick here to sign up for the Best Beard Contest \nInterested in being a vendor? Contact the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 433-0084 or \ninfo@ottawachamberillinois.com. \n\n\n\n\nDebate Days Swag is HERE!\n\n\n\n\n  \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  \nDebate Days August 2026 Timeline\nSaturday 15th  \nPuzzle contest 10am and 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum \nAmerica at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors event at LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm \nTicketed Legacy Gala at Ottawa Center for the Arts 6-10pm with Douglas appearance & Art Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSunday 16th  \nLecture on Black Hawk Wars 11 am Scouting Museum \nTicketed Mrs. Lincoln / Mrs Douglas (Character) tea at Reddick Mansion 2pm with Quilt Trunk Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nMonday 17th  \nLecture on 7 Debates 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nTuesday 18th  \nLecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nWednesday 19th  \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nChris Vallillo concert at the Abbey 7pm (free – per special events committee) \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nThursday 20th \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nTale of Two Bluffs movies at the ROXY 7pm – free \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nFriday 21st \nStore Deals – sidewalk sales \nThird Friday Market \nBest Beard Contest 5:30pm \n \nToast to Lincoln and Douglas @ Valley View (Get your tickets here) \nMusic by Illinois 33 rdBand 6pm in Washington Park with Lincoln and Douglas Impersonators \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSaturday 22nd \nStore Deals- sidewalk sales \nOld Time Fair in Washington Park from 11am – 4pm (fair is FREE) \nYSB Scoops & Smiles 11am-1pm (free) \nFarmers & Makers Market on Jackson St from 8am – 4pm \nCarriage Rides 1-4pm pick up in front of Reddick Mansion \nRe-enactment of Lincoln / Douglas Debate 4-5pm \nIce Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm with Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum ($5 tickets) \nAmerican Legion Post 33 cookout 6-9pm \nMusic in the Park 6-9pm Rosie and the Rivets \nQuilt winners announced 6pm \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion Open House 11-3pm (pay as you go ) \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nI&M Canal Ride with Open Trails \n  \nSunday 23rd \nStore Deals at select stores \n250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here) \nInterested in joining the parade? \nGreat Taste Debate winner announced- Monday on social media \nVirtual Duck Race with the Ottawa Exploreum 6pm
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/debate-days/2026-08-19/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Food,Get Educated,Historic Downtown,History,Holiday,Kids Corner,Live Music,Outdoor,Parade,Restaurants,Seasonal,Shopping
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/debate-days.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T170000
DTSTAMP:20260814T184757Z
CREATED:20260121T205133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T184757Z
UID:10002100-1787212800-1787245200@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. \nClick here to sign up for the Best Beard Contest \nInterested in being a vendor? Contact the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 433-0084 or \ninfo@ottawachamberillinois.com. \n\n\n\n\nDebate Days Swag is HERE!\n\n\n\n\n  \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  \nDebate Days August 2026 Timeline\nSaturday 15th  \nPuzzle contest 10am and 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum \nAmerica at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors event at LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm \nTicketed Legacy Gala at Ottawa Center for the Arts 6-10pm with Douglas appearance & Art Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSunday 16th  \nLecture on Black Hawk Wars 11 am Scouting Museum \nTicketed Mrs. Lincoln / Mrs Douglas (Character) tea at Reddick Mansion 2pm with Quilt Trunk Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nMonday 17th  \nLecture on 7 Debates 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nTuesday 18th  \nLecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nWednesday 19th  \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nChris Vallillo concert at the Abbey 7pm (free – per special events committee) \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nThursday 20th \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nTale of Two Bluffs movies at the ROXY 7pm – free \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nFriday 21st \nStore Deals – sidewalk sales \nThird Friday Market \nBest Beard Contest 5:30pm \n \nToast to Lincoln and Douglas @ Valley View (Get your tickets here) \nMusic by Illinois 33 rdBand 6pm in Washington Park with Lincoln and Douglas Impersonators \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSaturday 22nd \nStore Deals- sidewalk sales \nOld Time Fair in Washington Park from 11am – 4pm (fair is FREE) \nYSB Scoops & Smiles 11am-1pm (free) \nFarmers & Makers Market on Jackson St from 8am – 4pm \nCarriage Rides 1-4pm pick up in front of Reddick Mansion \nRe-enactment of Lincoln / Douglas Debate 4-5pm \nIce Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm with Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum ($5 tickets) \nAmerican Legion Post 33 cookout 6-9pm \nMusic in the Park 6-9pm Rosie and the Rivets \nQuilt winners announced 6pm \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion Open House 11-3pm (pay as you go ) \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nI&M Canal Ride with Open Trails \n  \nSunday 23rd \nStore Deals at select stores \n250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here) \nInterested in joining the parade? \nGreat Taste Debate winner announced- Monday on social media \nVirtual Duck Race with the Ottawa Exploreum 6pm
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/debate-days/2026-08-20/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Food,Get Educated,Historic Downtown,History,Holiday,Kids Corner,Live Music,Outdoor,Parade,Restaurants,Seasonal,Shopping
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/debate-days.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T170000
DTSTAMP:20260814T184757Z
CREATED:20260121T205133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T184757Z
UID:10002101-1787299200-1787331600@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. \nClick here to sign up for the Best Beard Contest \nInterested in being a vendor? Contact the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 433-0084 or \ninfo@ottawachamberillinois.com. \n\n\n\n\nDebate Days Swag is HERE!\n\n\n\n\n  \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  \nDebate Days August 2026 Timeline\nSaturday 15th  \nPuzzle contest 10am and 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum \nAmerica at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors event at LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm \nTicketed Legacy Gala at Ottawa Center for the Arts 6-10pm with Douglas appearance & Art Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSunday 16th  \nLecture on Black Hawk Wars 11 am Scouting Museum \nTicketed Mrs. Lincoln / Mrs Douglas (Character) tea at Reddick Mansion 2pm with Quilt Trunk Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nMonday 17th  \nLecture on 7 Debates 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nTuesday 18th  \nLecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nWednesday 19th  \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nChris Vallillo concert at the Abbey 7pm (free – per special events committee) \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nThursday 20th \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nTale of Two Bluffs movies at the ROXY 7pm – free \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nFriday 21st \nStore Deals – sidewalk sales \nThird Friday Market \nBest Beard Contest 5:30pm \n \nToast to Lincoln and Douglas @ Valley View (Get your tickets here) \nMusic by Illinois 33 rdBand 6pm in Washington Park with Lincoln and Douglas Impersonators \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSaturday 22nd \nStore Deals- sidewalk sales \nOld Time Fair in Washington Park from 11am – 4pm (fair is FREE) \nYSB Scoops & Smiles 11am-1pm (free) \nFarmers & Makers Market on Jackson St from 8am – 4pm \nCarriage Rides 1-4pm pick up in front of Reddick Mansion \nRe-enactment of Lincoln / Douglas Debate 4-5pm \nIce Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm with Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum ($5 tickets) \nAmerican Legion Post 33 cookout 6-9pm \nMusic in the Park 6-9pm Rosie and the Rivets \nQuilt winners announced 6pm \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion Open House 11-3pm (pay as you go ) \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nI&M Canal Ride with Open Trails \n  \nSunday 23rd \nStore Deals at select stores \n250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here) \nInterested in joining the parade? \nGreat Taste Debate winner announced- Monday on social media \nVirtual Duck Race with the Ottawa Exploreum 6pm
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/debate-days/2026-08-21/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Food,Get Educated,Historic Downtown,History,Holiday,Kids Corner,Live Music,Outdoor,Parade,Restaurants,Seasonal,Shopping
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/debate-days.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260822T170000
DTSTAMP:20260814T184757Z
CREATED:20260121T205133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T184757Z
UID:10002102-1787385600-1787418000@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. \nClick here to sign up for the Best Beard Contest \nInterested in being a vendor? Contact the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 433-0084 or \ninfo@ottawachamberillinois.com. \n\n\n\n\nDebate Days Swag is HERE!\n\n\n\n\n  \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  \nDebate Days August 2026 Timeline\nSaturday 15th  \nPuzzle contest 10am and 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum \nAmerica at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors event at LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm \nTicketed Legacy Gala at Ottawa Center for the Arts 6-10pm with Douglas appearance & Art Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSunday 16th  \nLecture on Black Hawk Wars 11 am Scouting Museum \nTicketed Mrs. Lincoln / Mrs Douglas (Character) tea at Reddick Mansion 2pm with Quilt Trunk Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nMonday 17th  \nLecture on 7 Debates 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nTuesday 18th  \nLecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nWednesday 19th  \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nChris Vallillo concert at the Abbey 7pm (free – per special events committee) \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nThursday 20th \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nTale of Two Bluffs movies at the ROXY 7pm – free \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nFriday 21st \nStore Deals – sidewalk sales \nThird Friday Market \nBest Beard Contest 5:30pm \n \nToast to Lincoln and Douglas @ Valley View (Get your tickets here) \nMusic by Illinois 33 rdBand 6pm in Washington Park with Lincoln and Douglas Impersonators \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSaturday 22nd \nStore Deals- sidewalk sales \nOld Time Fair in Washington Park from 11am – 4pm (fair is FREE) \nYSB Scoops & Smiles 11am-1pm (free) \nFarmers & Makers Market on Jackson St from 8am – 4pm \nCarriage Rides 1-4pm pick up in front of Reddick Mansion \nRe-enactment of Lincoln / Douglas Debate 4-5pm \nIce Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm with Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum ($5 tickets) \nAmerican Legion Post 33 cookout 6-9pm \nMusic in the Park 6-9pm Rosie and the Rivets \nQuilt winners announced 6pm \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion Open House 11-3pm (pay as you go ) \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nI&M Canal Ride with Open Trails \n  \nSunday 23rd \nStore Deals at select stores \n250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here) \nInterested in joining the parade? \nGreat Taste Debate winner announced- Monday on social media \nVirtual Duck Race with the Ottawa Exploreum 6pm
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/debate-days/2026-08-22/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Food,Get Educated,Historic Downtown,History,Holiday,Kids Corner,Live Music,Outdoor,Parade,Restaurants,Seasonal,Shopping
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:20260814T184757Z
CREATED:20260121T205133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T184757Z
UID:10002103-1787472000-1787504400@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. \nClick here to sign up for the Best Beard Contest \nInterested in being a vendor? Contact the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 433-0084 or \ninfo@ottawachamberillinois.com. \n\n\n\n\nDebate Days Swag is HERE!\n\n\n\n\n  \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  \nDebate Days August 2026 Timeline\nSaturday 15th  \nPuzzle contest 10am and 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum \nAmerica at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors event at LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm \nTicketed Legacy Gala at Ottawa Center for the Arts 6-10pm with Douglas appearance & Art Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSunday 16th  \nLecture on Black Hawk Wars 11 am Scouting Museum \nTicketed Mrs. Lincoln / Mrs Douglas (Character) tea at Reddick Mansion 2pm with Quilt Trunk Show \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nMonday 17th  \nLecture on 7 Debates 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nTuesday 18th  \nLecture on Lincoln’s in Town 6pm at Scouting Museum \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nWednesday 19th  \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nChris Vallillo concert at the Abbey 7pm (free – per special events committee) \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nThursday 20th \nStore Deals at select stores \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nTale of Two Bluffs movies at the ROXY 7pm – free \nGreat Taste Debate \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nFriday 21st \nStore Deals – sidewalk sales \nThird Friday Market \nBest Beard Contest 5:30pm \n \nToast to Lincoln and Douglas @ Valley View (Get your tickets here) \nMusic by Illinois 33 rdBand 6pm in Washington Park with Lincoln and Douglas Impersonators \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \n  \nSaturday 22nd \nStore Deals- sidewalk sales \nOld Time Fair in Washington Park from 11am – 4pm (fair is FREE) \nYSB Scoops & Smiles 11am-1pm (free) \nFarmers & Makers Market on Jackson St from 8am – 4pm \nCarriage Rides 1-4pm pick up in front of Reddick Mansion \nRe-enactment of Lincoln / Douglas Debate 4-5pm \nIce Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm with Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum ($5 tickets) \nAmerican Legion Post 33 cookout 6-9pm \nMusic in the Park 6-9pm Rosie and the Rivets \nQuilt winners announced 6pm \nGreat Taste Debate \nFlag Scavenger Hunt \nReddick Mansion Open House 11-3pm (pay as you go ) \nOttawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm \nI&M Canal Ride with Open Trails \n  \nSunday 23rd \nStore Deals at select stores \n250th Anniversary Parade 1pm (find event details here) \nInterested in joining the parade? \nGreat Taste Debate winner announced- Monday on social media \nVirtual Duck Race with the Ottawa Exploreum 6pm
URL:https://www.visitottawail.com/event/debate-days/2026-08-23/
LOCATION:Downtown Ottawa
CATEGORIES:Arts,Entertainment,Family,Festivals,Food,Get Educated,Historic Downtown,History,Holiday,Kids Corner,Live Music,Outdoor,Parade,Restaurants,Seasonal,Shopping
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.visitottawail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/debate-days.png
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