Licoln Bicentennial Plaza dedication on tap for June 12

My son Charlie, who will be 10 at the end of the month, is fascinated by the American presidents. Last year, we visited the Lincoln Boyhood National Monument in (where else?) Lincoln City, Indiana, near Holiday World. Charlie had fun, but was disappointed that we didn’t go across the street to Lincoln State Park. Next week’s dedication of the Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza at Lincoln State Park gives us one more reason to visit the park this summer.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza consists of a large circular plaza. Visitors will first enter an area with limestone pedestals and interpretive signs signifying key milestones in Lincoln’s formative Indiana years between ages seven and 21.

A central half-circle reminds visitors of young Abraham’s growth from a boy to a man. Visitors can move freely between the pedestals. The second semicircle provides a more intimate space for reflecting upon the man who led this nation. It will contain a twice-life-size bronze bust of Lincoln, accompanied by some of his quotes.

The plaza dedication on Friday, June 12 will include several free actitivies for visitors to enjoy. Times listed below are Central Daylight Time:

10:30 a.m. – Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza dedication ceremony

11:30 a.m. – Lincoln neighborhood walk

11:45 a.m. – A talk with the plaza’s artist and designer

1 p.m. – Backstage tour of the Lincoln Amphitheatre and set of “LINCOLN”

3 p.m. – Tour of the Colonel William Jones home (Lincoln’s merchant employer)

The dedication ceremony will include Civil War-era music by a brass quintet from the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, a performance by the Evansville Children’s Choir and President Lincoln’s second inaugural performed by “LINCOLN” cast member.

If you plan to attend the dedication, don’t miss out on the the premiere of the new “LINCOLN” play in the park’s amphitheatre.

Show tickets include an Amish family-style meal, children’s pioneer games, artisan demonstrations, the Lincoln exhibit, and free unlimited soft drinks and popcorn during intermission.  Meals will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m. CDT, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. CDT.  Presidential Section ticket prices are $42.95 for adults, $40.95 for seniors, $38.95 for age 7 to 21, and free for age 6 and under.  RailSplitter section ticket prices are $39.95 for adults, $37.95 for seniors, and $35.95 for age 7 to 21.

“LINCOLN” runs Tuesday through Sunday from June 12 through August 15. Visit www.LincolnAmphitheatre.com for more information.