Date:

February 1, 2007

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Mayor Coleen J. Seng today announced plans for the City’s seventh annual Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebration from noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, February 11. The free celebration will take place for the first time at Southwest High School, 7001 South 14th Street.

“We are excited to hold our celebration in south Lincoln for the first time,” said Mayor Seng. “We hope many families will join us to learn more about our 16th President and the era in which he lived and to enjoy the music, dancing and other entertainment. I want to thank the many community sponsors who make it possible for us to present this free event.” The celebration, which began in downtown, has been held at North Star High School for the past few years, but the school had a scheduling conflict this year.

The celebration will feature Illinois actors Michael Krebs and Debra Ann Miller as President Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln in a program called “Visiting the Lincoln.” The play is set on April 14th, 1865, the eve of Lincoln’s death, as the Lincolns entertain unexpected guests at the White House. The hour-long performance will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Krebs portrayed Lincoln at last year’s celebration in a re-enactment of a Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Also on the schedule for February 11:

• The Smith Family Band from Hastings and the Roundhouse Band will perform Civil War era music for re-enactors and the public to dance starting at noon.
• “Letters from the Battlefield” is the topic of a discussion set for 1:30 p.m. in the school’s smaller theater. Leading the discussion will be Dr. Spencer Davis, a Peru State history professor, and Dr. Wayne Reynolds, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church.
• Those dressing as President Lincoln can enter the “Impersonators Contest” by registering at the information desk the day of the event. Judging is at 1:30 p.m. and prizes will be awarded in two age categories – age 16 and under and adult. Winners will be announced at the 2 p.m. birthday party, which includes a mayoral proclamation.
• Lincoln musician Chris Sayre will play folk and traditional music from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

A children’s area will feature toys, games and crafts. A variety of Abraham Lincoln exhibits will be on display, and area Civil War re-enactors in authentic uniforms will mingle with the crowd and answer questions. Souvenirs and free refreshments will be available.

A volunteer steering committee headed by Paul Hadley has planned the celebration. Hadley is the current Commander of the Department of Nebraska, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Producers are the City of Lincoln and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Convention and Visitors Bureau with support from the Nebraska Humanities Council.

More information is available on the City Web site at lincoln.ne.gov.