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Spencer County Celebrates Lincoln Family's Move to Indiana and State's Bicentennial

Posted on August 24, 2016



While the entire State of Indiana observes its 200th birthday, residents of Spencer County have a dual reason to celebrate! In addition to being the state’s bicentennial, 2016 is the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s family moving to Indiana in 1816. To commemorate the anniversary statewide, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development and State Bicentennial Commission are hosting an Indiana Bicentennial Torch relay. Over 2,200 community-nominated torchbearers will pass the specially designed torch throughout all 92 counties, symbolically connecting generations to “ignite” Indiana’s future. Patterned after the Olympic Torch Relay, Indiana’s version has been designed to inspire and unify Hoosiers via this major commemorative event of the 2016 Bicentennial celebration. The Torch Relay will commence on Friday, September 9, in Corydon, regarded as the state’s first capital (although Vincennes might dispute that claim). It will arrive and pass through Spencer County the following day, September 10, but the celebration will start in Rockport Friday afternoon with a Taste of Spencer County around the Courthouse Square. Details are following. Please note: All times are Central.   FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 5 – 9 p.m. TASTE OF SPENCER COUNTY Spencer County Courthouse Square • Rockport Sample local food favorites, including old-fashioned root beer floats made with homemade ice cream (served in collectible souvenir mugs), grilled chicken sandwiches, walking tacos, Italian roast beef sandwiches, corn dogs, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, nacho cheese and chips, plus homemade candy, taffy, cotton candy, kettle corn, shaved ice, soft drinks and water. A Civil War unit will set up an encampment on the courthouse lawn. Historic re-enactors will share their expertise — and their stories — as they accurately recreate a soldier’s life circa 1863. This street fest will also include a performance by students from Crown Point Dance Studio at 6 p.m., a free Street Dance Hootenanny from 7-9 p.m., and other festivities. But that’s not all ...   SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. TORCH RELAY Whether a native Spencer Countian or just visiting, welcome the Bicentennial Torch as it passes through the towns of Santa Claus, Lincoln City, Gentryville, Chrisney, and into Rockport. The relay will start at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (before park opens), where the torch and its bearer will ride the Crow’s Nest in the shadow of Thunderbird, the nation’s first launched winged roller coaster. Holidog will carry it to the amusement park gate — then other bearers will hold it high as they travel through the county. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. THE BICENTENNIAL EXPERIENCE Lincoln State Park • Lincoln City Do you know Indiana’s tie to North America’s longest underground river, the Empire State Building, space travel and a popular gum that doubles your chewing pleasure? Find answers to these questions and more in The Bicentennial Experience, a high-tech mobile museum that tells the story of Indiana’s natural wonders, legendary figures and far-reaching impact. The Bicentennial Experience was first conceptualized over three years ago by the state tourism office as part of its Bicentennial Torch Relay planning. “Every thought, every detail about this mobile unit was deliberate,” explains Mark Newman, IOTD Executive Director. “Through the power of images, artifacts, film, and interactive tools, this exhibit flows seamlessly from start to finish to paint a beautiful portrait of Indiana. I hope people walk away from it feeling proud to be a Hoosier.” Lincoln State Park is waiving admission fees so visitors can enjoy The Bicentennial Experience free of charge while in Spencer County for the torch relay. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CIVIL WAR LIVING HISTORY DAYS and TASTE OF SPENCER COUNTY continued Spencer County Courthouse Square • Rockport The Civil War Encampment will be set up and ready for visitors, featuring re-enactors who share their historic stories. Enjoy free live music and entertainment throughout the day. Attend an 18th century yard sale. Learn about pioneer life and partake in some historic kids games. Check out the Indiana Bicentennial legacy quilts. View exhibits and demonstrations, including weaving, spinning and art, a firearms display, music, a craft fair and sidewalk art contest. Members of the Indiana Wheelmen — wearing period attire — will ride authentic, pre-1900 trikes and bikes. Take a carriage ride between 2 and 6 p.m. for a small fee ($5 for adults, $3 for children 10 and under). Local food (see above for food offerings) and old-fashioned root beer floats will again be featured during the festivities. Don’t forget your free souvenir mug. 2 – 6 p.m. INDIANA’S HONEST ABE BREW FEST Lincoln Amphitheatre • Lincoln City Sample a variety of locally crafted beers, including the new Honest Abe Ale from St. Benedict’s Brew Works, and from other area breweries such as Carson’s Brewery, Schnitz Brewery, and the Pour Haus. 12 – 6 p.m. BICENTENNIAL TRAIN RIDE Departs from Tell City Depot Hop on board the train at the Tell City Depot and take a two-hour ride into Lincoln City while enjoying the breathtaking southern Indiana landscape. Fee charged (visit ScenicLincolnWay.org/events.html for reservations). Enjoy the Honest Abe Brew Fest before riding back to Tell City. 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. “STORY OF INDIANA” TRAIN RIDE Departs from Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial Farm • Lincoln City Take a scenic, 40-minute, family-friendly round-trip rid, learning about and celebrating Indiana’s birthday. Fee charged (visit ScenicLincolnWay.org/events.html for reservations). 6 p.m. “EDDIE MONEY” CONCERT Lincoln Amphitheater inside Lincoln State Park • Lincoln City Legendary Eddie Money takes the stage to rock the night away. Hear hits like “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.” Doors open at 4:30 for this highly anticipated concert. (Note: May be sold out, check LincolnAmphitheatre.com for tickets and details). 6 – 10 p.m. THE EIGHTH ANNUAL CIVIL WAR BALL Spencer County Courthouse • Rockport Enjoy easy period dances taught by dance caller Deborah Hyland of St. Louis. *Advanced reservations and period attire are required. Call 812-686-2553. For more information on how Spencer County plans to celebrate the Indiana Bicentennial, visit IndianasAbeLincoln.org/bicentennial-events.