DANVILLE — The Danville area features a wide variety of summer activities, and this year is no exception.

“The number of local events is overwhelming,” said Jeanie Cooke, executive director of the Danville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Every year we seem to add things.”

She cited the many entertainment opportunities at Sleepy Creek Winery south of Oakwood, in addition to the many local events, including concerts every other week at Temple Plaza.

But Abraham Lincoln is the big attraction for the Danville area this summer. Danville has a solid connection to Lincoln, the 16th president, on the 200th anniversary of his birth.

“We expect an increase in tourism by historians and history buffs,” Cooke said. “People are taking a look. Each (city or area) is unique.”

The Vermilion County Museum is the key spot to start the Lincoln trek, with the Fithian house, where Lincoln stayed when he was in Danville.

Two new informational waysides are coming to Danville soon.

One will be in the parking lot of the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building at Main and Walnut streets, the site of the McCormick House where Lincoln often visited with other lawyers,

The other will be at the Fithian home at the museum, 116 N. Gilbert St.

“These are not small,” Cooke said. “They are 9 feet long. They enhance the Lincoln sites.”

Sue Richter, director of the museum, agrees.

“People are doing the ‘Lincoln thing,’” she said. “Last week had a couple from Alaska.”

Richter recommends a tour book that can be purchased at the museum. It outlines routes to all of the Lincoln connections in the county.

She said the directional signs in Danville are pointing out the Abraham Lincoln connection.

“People are visiting family and coming in this year,” Richter said. “If they weren’t visiting family, they might not have done it.”

The Danville Symphony Orchestra will present “A Lincoln Portrait” during the Arts in the Park in June at Lincoln Park.

Cooke said festivals and events have increased.

“It doesn’t seem to end,” she said. “That is what makes Vermilion County a good place to live. No matter what the economy is, people who live here are very creative.”

The Danville Jaycees Springfest is considered the kickoff for the summer. It is a week later than usual this year.

Cooke said there are two angles to most activities: Watching and participating.

“With many of our activities, you can come here to play and participate.”

Cooke cited the Turtle Races as one of those events. It will mark its 45th anniversary this summer.

“You would be surprised at the number of calls we get.”

Another participatory activity is the annual Dustbowl basketball tournament.

Two communities will mark special anniversaries this summer.

Sidell will mark its 125th anniversary in June, while Rossville will celebrate its 150th anniversary in August.

“I think Vermilion County is in the top 25 percent in visitor dollars, and we don’t have a farm progress show or other major event,” Cooke said. “We have such enormous opportunities. We are very lucky.”



FAST FACT

A list of summer and fall activities in the area is on Page 1D.

Check out the Danville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site at http://www.danvillecvb.com