Prairie State Wire

The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site is set to host the annual Grand Levee on June 14. This event, celebrating the grand receptions of the 1800s for government dignitaries and notable visitors, will offer a full day of activities and entertainment at no cost to attendees. The site is located at 315 W. Gallatin St. in Vandalia.

Starting at 10 a.m., visitors can enjoy period arts and crafts demonstrations, including blacksmithing, pottery, wool spinning, silk embroidery, and more on the lawn of the Vandalia Statehouse. The Ewington Chapter of the Illinois Society Sons of the American Revolution will present 16 flags from the American Revolution era.

Inside the historic site, Brian Fox Ellis will perform as Lincoln the lawyer with Billie Herndorn at 11 a.m. Additionally, tours will be available for the Vandalia Statehouse itself, along with a historic home trolley tour provided by the Vandalia Historical Society from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Fayette County Museum and National Road Interpretive Center will also conduct tours.

Food and beverages can be purchased from Unity Baptist Church and Porkorney during the event. Other attractions include a World Bird Sanctuary display and caricature art by Dan Wild at 11 a.m., giant bubbles by Wild Foam Adventures from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a petting zoo by Lucky R Mobile Zoo from noon to 2 p.m. Local folk band Heritage Blue will perform live music from noon to 2 p.m.

A trivia contest featuring Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Randy Duncan, is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the House of Representatives chamber, allowing teams of up to five members to participate.

The Grande Levee is sponsored by both the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Old Capital Foundation. For further details about events or inquiries, visit their Facebook page or call 618-283-1161.

This year marks IDNR's centennial celebration since its founding on July 1, 1925, originally as the Illinois Department of Conservation. The department now manages approximately 400 sites across Illinois covering various natural resources and conservation efforts.