Quincy to hold first Lincoln in the District festival

QUINCY, Ill. (AP) - Quincy is highlighting Abraham Lincoln's historic ties to the city by hosting the first Lincoln in the District festival.

The Quincy Herald-Whig reports (http://bit.ly/1Pd9fEo) that the festival will be held Saturday in Washington Park, where Lincoln in 1858 debated Stephen A. Douglas in his bid to unseat the incumbent U.S. senator. Lincoln lost the election, but the campaign helped him rise to national prominence and eventually become president.

The festival will feature actors portraying historical characters, including Lincoln and Douglas. There will also be children's activities, carriage rides and period-appropriate demonstrations, including yarn spinning and broom making.

Organizers say the festival will allow attendees to step back into Lincoln's time.

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Information from: The Quincy Herald-Whig, http://www.whig.com