Civil War Ball:
    On Saturday night, come out and experience the music and dance of a time long past.  You will learn how to dance the way they did in the olden days of the Civil War era with the help of very talented demonstrators.  Don't worry about how to dress, just come right on out!  If you don't know how to dance and you think you cannot learn, we will prove you wrong.  Anyone can learn these simple steps and before the night is over, everyone will be dancing and having lots of fun.  Mary Todd Lincoln Cake and period punch will be served.  The Dance will begin at 7:00 PM, Saturday night, and will end at 10:00 PM.  Ticket price TBA.

Steam Show:
  The Steam Show is back again this year, so don't miss out on this fun and educating show.

Working Crafts:
   Watch craftsmen ply their trades before your eyes in the Working Crafts area.  Blacksmiths will be forging metal, quilters will be quilting, and many many more.

Pioneer Village:
     Take a look at how the Pioneers lived in this historically based display and demonstration.  The public is invited to watch and learn as the pioneers cook, do chores, and even trap.

Primitive Lodges:
   Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live out on the prairie?  With this display, you'll find out.  Walk through the primitive lodges and see history unfold before you.

Captain Bogardus Trap Shoot (At Sportsman's Club):
     Captain Adam H. Bogardus is possibly one of the best known trap shooters in history.  He traveled with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show as a sharpshooter, was named the Champion Wingshot of the World in 1876, and is even credited with inventing a trap thrower designed to throw glass targets.  Captain Bogardus is buried in Elkhart, IL, and in his honor, we are holding the first Captain Bogardus Trap Shoot at the Lincoln Sportsman's Club.  Come on out and test your skills on Saturday, September 13th!
        *    Registration: 12:15 PM, Saturday
        *    Competition begins at 12:30 PM
        *    There will be three classes available: Muzzle Loaders, old-style shotgun, and modern
        *    There will be two different events:
              - 10 Bird "Meat Shoot" - Prizes: 1st Place steaks, chicken, & roast beef; 2nd place bacon and sausage
              - 25 Bird Derby - Prizes: Trophies

Dean Tibbs Tomahawk Throw:
    Test your throwing accuracy in this contest.  Competitors throw tomahawks (small hand axes) at a card which is pinned to a wooden block.  The object is to cut the card, and thereby gain points.  The person with the most points will be dubbed the winner.  Competition is divided into the Men's, Women's, and Children's divisions.

Wood Carvers:
    Watch and learn as wood carvers put on a demonstration of their craft.  These talented individuals will create works of art, and you can learn how.

Railsplitting:
    This track event was a chore once upon a time, and now you will be able to watch men and women alike split logs into beautiful rails.  The fierce competition between the contenders will keep you on the edge of your seat.  The contest is divided up into four categories: Junior, Team, Amateur, and Professional.  Try your hand at this event, or just watch and root for your friends, either way, it will be an event you won't want to miss.

Children's Games:
    Throughout the festival grounds there will be games and activities for children of all ages.

Selling Crafts:
    These vendors will be selling hand made craft items from their booths.  Walk through this section and start shopping, because you will not want to pass up these works of art.

Entertainment:
    Enjoy old time music, dancing, food, and track events at this year's festival!

Antique Cars/Tractors:
    If classic cars or tractors are your hobby, then this is the place for you.  Featured at this year's festival will be many different Antique cars and tractors of various makes and models.

Historical Displays:
     If you would like to learn more about the historical factors represented by the Railsplitting Festival, then come look at the historical displays.  These educational displays show history in many different ways.  More information to come!

Home Show Vendors:
    For the second year, the Railsplitting Festival will be opening its doors to commercial vendors.  Take a look at what all of these home design representatives have to offer.

Tours - Lincoln College Museum & Postville Courthouse
    Lincoln College Museum and Postville Courthouse will be holding special hours for the duration of the Festival!  Their hours are 10 AM - 5 PM on Saturday, and 12 PM - 3 PM on Sunday.
        Lincoln College Museum: 300 Keokuk Street
        Postville Courthouse: 914 Fifth Street

"Abraham Lincoln, Deputy Surveyor"
    Bob Church, executive director of the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association will present a Power Point presentation on a little known aspect of Mr. Lincoln's life as a Deputy Sangamon County Surveyor.  Lincoln performed surveys of lots and roads, and he laid out five towns between 1833 and 1837 while living in New Salem.
    The 129 slide presentation will explain how Lincoln became a surveyor, where he surveyed, and how surveying helped his political career.
   Mr. Church will be making his presentation at 1 PM on September 16th in the exhibition building.

Brian "Fox" Ellis - Storyteller
Brian " Fox" Ellis has always strived to be an inspiration to his audiences, offering them a chance to gather a deeper sense of who they are in relation to the human history and natural world around them. He has been entertaining audiences for the past 29 years, including trips to Postville Courthouse in the past. He likes to offer some education along the way through song, myth, poetry and stories. Mr. Ellis will be performing at the Lincoln Park District on Friday, September 18, 2009 at 7 PM.

Mike Anderson - Musician/Storyteller

Back by popular demand is Mike Anderson, Musician/Storyteller. He has performed from the Atlantic coast to Canada and to the gulf. He is a superb communicator and has won many awards. Mike has honed his skills as a story teller and is one of the best yarn spinners and worst pun-tellers anywhere. His performances will be on Saturday from 12 PM - 4 PM and on Sunday from 12 PM - 3 PM.