Build a Birdhouse, Watch an Artisan, Catch a Band at Lincoln Memorial Garden's Indian Summer Festival
Think you can build a better birdhouse? Lincoln Memorial Garden's Indian Summer Festival, set for Columbus Day weekend, will be a good place to show off your skills.
The birdhouse building contest is just one of several new activities planned for the Garden's annual fall event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., October 9th-10th. Cash prizes will be given that weekend for the best “green” birdhouse made with recycled or reused materials ($100 prize), the best combination of style and function ($75 prize), and the People's Choice ($50 prize).
The contest is open to anyone, but the houses must be original and suitable for birds. Entries will be accepted beginning September 15th and must be delivered to the Garden no later than 4 p.m., Thursday, October 7th. Contestants may submit more than one design. There is a $5 nonrefundable entry fee for each entry, but the fee includes admission to the festival on both days. Complete contest rules are available online at www.lincolnmemorialgarden.org or by calling 217/529-1111.
There'll be lots of excitement for everyone else, too.
Indian Summer Festival is the Garden's oldest and most-popular fundraising activity - and entry is still affordable. The charge for adults (13 years and older) is $4. The charge for children (up to age 13) is $3. Infants and toddlers (up to age 2) will be admitted free. Profits from the two-day event help maintain the natural spaces in the Garden and support programs aimed at educating young people in nature conservation -- and assure that this beautiful retreat remains free and open to the public year-around.
Festival activities take place on the Cawley Meadow across from the Garden's entrance but there will be plenty to do in the historic Garden, including hiking and shopping. Visitors can walk the lanes of the Garden and enjoy the fall colors or stop in at the garden’s Split Rail Shop to purchase or browse one of a kind items
Families have come to expect bluegrass bands, butterfly pork chop sandwiches, and pumpkin decorating. This year will be no exception. Members of the Sangamon Valley Wood Carvers Club will demonstrate and sell their carvings. There'll be demonstrations on flint knapping and wool spinning. And vendors will sell honey, Indian jewelry, fur and leather bags, and hats.
Children can make popcorn bird feeders, create make and take art projects, get their faces painted, or plant a tree. The ever-popular turtle races will be back. And, in keeping with one of our newer traditions of “greening” the festival, local groups have been invited to share messages about recycling, protecting the environment, and respecting nature. The fun will also include a scavenger hunt in the Garden.
Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the musical entertainment on the main stage all weekend. Bluegrass and folk will headline. This year’s musical entertainment includes:
Saturday, October 9
11 a.m.Sarah Schneider - folk music
12:15 p.m. South Fork - jamgrass music
2 p.m.River Ramblers - bluegrass music
Sunday, October 10
11 a.m. Andy Wiesenhoffer - Cowboy poetry
12:15 p.m.Tom and Owen Irwin - country-folk music
2 p.m.The Gordons - bluegrass music
Of course, there'll be lots to drink and eat, including those pork chop sandwiches and brats, popcorn, baked goods, and chili. Members of the Springfield Civic Garden Club will open their popular Country Cupboard featuring homemade items to eat on the spot or take home.
For more information please call the Garden at 529-1111. The Garden can be reached from the south via I-55 exit #88 or from the north via East Lake Dr. at exit #94.
Thank you to our sponsors!
SUPER SPONSOR
Sutton Siding and Remodeling
1926 Peoria Raod, Springfield, IL 62702
217/528-3911
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MAJOR SPONSORS
Party Creations
3651 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 529-1900
http://www.partycreationsonline.com
Isringhausen Imports
299 East Jefferson, Springfield, IL
(217) 528-2277
