Merry Christmas

Yesterday I was sitting at my desk going through emails and Santa Claus himself walked in the door!  It made me realize once again, Christmas is a great time of the year to be in or near a town named Santa Claus, Indiana: America's Christmas Hometown.  Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends! 

The Spencer County Visitors Bureau wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Did you know..?

Most of you are aware that there is a Santa Claus Post Office... but did you know that it is the only Post Office in the world with Santa's name? Or that you can get a special Santa Claus Holiday Postmark (different every year) from now until December 23rd? Or what about the fact that you can mail letters to Santa Claus and every letter receives a reply from Santa's Elves before Christmas? Santa Claus, Indiana: America's Christmas Hometown is a great place all year round, but especially for the holidays! 

Check out the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration - every Friday, Saturday and Sunday - now through December 20; And don't miss the Rockport Christmas Festival and Parade along with the annual "Radio Days Christmas Program" at the historic Spencer County Courthouse.  Check out the events on www.LegendaryPlaces.org for all the details!

Click to see America's Christmas Hometown on YouTube

Christmas Begins!

Season Greetings from America's Christmas Hometown: Santa Claus, Indiana!

I must say... the charming town of Santa Claus, Indiana, is buzzing with excitement this week as everyone prepares for the newly expanded 5-weekend Santa Claus Christmas Celebration.  If you haven't heard, the Celebration starts THIS Friday, November 20, and continues every Friday, Saturday & Sunday until December, 20 - the weekend before Christmas Day!



We get to celebrate Christmas for an entire month this year :)

I want to personally invite you ALL to the Traditional Pre-Christmas Dinner THIS Friday at 6:30pm at Santa's Lodge.  The Dinner will provide a scrumptious family meal followed by carols with Santa Claus himself and then the first official Tree Lighting Ceremony that will declare the national start of the Christmas season!! Check out all of the events every weekend including the Santa Claus Land of Lights, Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, 4 different contests such as FRUITCAKE EATING and GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING! 

I can't wait!

Hello from Melissa 2.0

I'm finally on the blog! I want to introduce myself - I'm Melissa Wilkinson, or commonly referred to as Melissa 2.0, and am the new Director for the Spencer County Visitors Bureau. Melissa Miller, or Melissa 1.0, left Southern Indiana to move closer to her family in Missouri and took a job with the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri!

I'm originally from this area; I went to Heritage Hills High School, worked at Holiday Foods in Rockport and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus and then attended Indiana University (GO HOOSIERS!) After moving to South Florida on a whim right after college, I have officially returned to Spencer County, working to promote the county as the fun and affordable destination it is, and am loving it!

In Florida, I worked for a professional regional theatre, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, and had a great experience with marketing and public relations in the world of performing arts. I can't say that I don't miss the palm trees, sandy beaches and sticky humidity... BUT I cannot even begin to express how much I am enjoying the fall season here! I really missed the seasons and especially the changing of the leaves... I may change my mind by winter time when the temperature drops below freezing and my toes are numb, but I'm definitely glad to be back!

Check back this weekend to see the NEW redesigned website at www.LegendaryPlaces.org that will have the latest events, photos and updates on everything going on in Spencer County and the opportunity to sign up for the monthly e-newsletter! And if you're not already, become a fan on FACEBOOK and follow us on Twitter!

Abraham Lincoln Represented at the Indiana State Fair

Last Thursday, representatives from the Spencer County Visitors Bureau and the Lincoln Pioneer Village traveled to the Indiana State Fair's Heritage Day to spread the word about Abraham Lincoln's life in Indiana. The crew went on behalf of the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission to provide hundreds of people with information about Abraham Lincoln and the many opportunities to learn about him in Spencer County.

"The Indiana State Fair was the perfect opportunity to put our information in the hands of people from all over. The Heritage Day brought us people interested in Lincoln's boyhood years in Indiana, as well as people who didn't even realize Lincoln lived here for 14 years," said Crystal Buehler of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau, "we were really able to reach a wide variety of people."

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Jubilee Schedule:

Lincoln Bicentennial Jubilee
August 3 - September 6, 2009

August 3: St. Meinrad Community Lincoln Heritage Day and Concert
The Spencer County town of St. Meinrad plays host to a full day of events. Come to the Community Center, located at 13150 E. CR 1950 N, and visit a Farmer’s Market, a primitive farm tool display, crocheting and quilting demonstrations, horse and wagon rides, yarn and corn husk doll-making demos, Lincoln Era exhibits and other vendors and booths designed to create a spirit of “old fashioned fellowship” the way the Lincolns and their contemporaries might have enjoyed. The fun moves to the beautiful Saint Meinrad Archabbey campus (200 Hill Drive) for an outdoor bluegrass concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Parking is available all day at the Community Center and at the Archabbey after 3:30 p.m. This event is free to the public. Lincoln Heritage Day and Concert is sponsored by SMART (St. Meinrad Area Revitalization Team) and the Saint Meinrad Archabbey.

August 5: Lincoln Jubilee Opening Ceremony
The Lincoln Bicentennial Jubilee formally kicks off Wednesday at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial located on SR 162 in Lincoln City. The 6:30 p.m. event, free to the public, will feature music by the Celebration Singers and a variety of welcoming remarks and acknowledgments from Committee Chair, Kay Bertl and Memorial Director, Mike Capps. Also featured will be Cub Scout Pack 102 for a presentation of colors and Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari’s Pat Koch as guest speaker. In case of inclement weather the ceremony will be held at nearby Heritage Hills High School.

August 6: Little Abe and Sarah Pageant
On Thursday evening, the Jubilee moves to AEP Honey Creek Farm located off New US 231 at 1745 E CR 500 N. Children ages 6-9 and 10-12 are invited to dress up as Abraham and his sister, Sarah to put a pioneer spin on a traditional pageant. Mary Todd Lincolns are welcome as well! Contestants can bring props onto the stage as they are judged for attire and stage presence. This event is free to the public, however, a $5 per car parking fee applies. For more information regarding this event, call Debbie Barrett at 812-649-2186.

August 7-9: Lincoln Country Sights and Sounds and Best of Bluegrass Bash
AEP Honey Creek Farm continues the jubilee with Lincoln Country Sights and Sounds. A series of vendors, displays, arts and crafts, quilt show and a military encampment will immerse spectators in Lincoln Lore. Food vendors will provide a wide variety of selections to choose from.

For the first time, Spencer County will serve as host for a competitive bluegrass contest on Friday, August 7. The Best of Bluegrass Bash competition kicks off at 7 p.m. as beginner banjo and mandolin players compete for prizes. Afterwards, bluegrass bands will compete for the top six spots in the finals scheduled for the following night. Saturday’s competition begins at 10 a.m., featuring individual banjo, mandolin and fiddler contests in four divisions; pee-wees under 10, beginners ages11-19 years old, adults ages 20-55 and seniors 56 and older before wrapping up with the bluegrass band finals. First, second and third place finishes will each receive a portion of the $3,000 prize money.
There is no entry fee, however, a $5 parking fee will be assessed per car per day. No coolers or alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the premises. Camping will be available and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for comfortable seating while enjoying the bluegrass music.

August 8: “Taste of Mary Todd Lincoln”
For those in the mood for sight-seeing and period flavor, Rockport provides a unique opportunity with a series of events collectively referred to as “Taste of Mary Todd Lincoln.” Beginning at 11:30 a.m.,The Rockport Inn, located at 130 S Third Street, will host a period luncheon. Dine in the historic building and move across the street to the Spencer County Courthouse to witness a period style fashion show at 1 p.m. featuring costuming of antebellum America. The taste continues directly afterwards with a bus home tour of select Spencer County residences. Admission for these three events is just $50. Due to limited tickets, reservations for the “Taste of Mary Todd Lincoln” are required. Call 812-649-2186 to reserve your spot.

August 9: Spiritual Camp Meeting and Other Activities
The Jubilee winds down on Sunday with a nondenominational Spiritual Camp meeting at AEP Honey Creek Farm at 10 a.m. Everyone, regardless of faith, is welcome to join in the community service, much in the way people did during the Lincoln era.The parking fee is waived on Sunday. Afterwards, the stage will be open for performers to entertain the crowd. The Sights and Sounds vendors and displays will remain until 4 p.m.

September 6: Evansville Philharmonic at Lincoln Amphitheatre
On Sunday, September 6, at 7:30 p.m. the Evansville Philharmonic caps off the two-year celebration with a patriotic performance in Indiana’s recently restored covered outdoor stage, the Lincoln Amphitheatre, located within Lincoln State Park on SR 162. The evening will consist of several patriotic selections including Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Aaron Copland’s “A Lincoln Portrait” featuring 8th District US Congressman Brad Ellsworth as the Narrator and Dean Dorrell as President Lincoln. WFIE 14’s Jeff Lyons will emcee the event. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Philharmonic box office at 812-425-5050.

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For more information about the Lincoln Bicentennial Jubilee, please call committee chair Judy Butcher at 812-453-7505 or the Spencer County Visitors Bureau at 1-877-444-9252

New Attraction Under Construction in Santa Claus, Ind.

A new attraction in Santa Claus, Ind. is under construction and is scheduled for an August opening. The Santa Claus Christmas Store will be located in the Kringle Place Shopping Center. Owned and operated by Philip Koch and his Santa Claus based company HO HO HOldings, LLC, the store features over 6,500 sq. ft. of retail space including gifts, indoor and outdoor Christmas lights, wreaths, tree trimmings, nativities, Christmas yard art, home decor and collectibles. Commercial decorations and lighting will also be offered along with an online store currently under development. Within the store is a magical place called Santa's House. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, children can visit with and have their photos taken with Santa. In 2010, Santa will be available May through December. Candy, fudge, cookies and other items will also be sold in the store.

"We're creating a magical place that families can experience year-round," said Koch. "This will be the largest Christmas store of its kind in the region, similar to attractions found in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee or Frankenmuth, Michigan. For now, it won't be as big as those attractions, but we have plans to expand in the future. We have lots of tourists during the summer. Our goal is to attract people from all over the world to Santa Claus, Indiana, no matter the season." The Santa Claus Christmas Store will occupy the combined spaces of 3 former tenants in the shopping center, including World Class Travel which continues to operate out of the home of Julie Korn. Korn has also been hired as the manager of the new Christmas Store. Other plans include a huge Santa in lights peaking over the roof of Kringle Place and a giant LED Christmas tree in the parking lot. HO HO HOldings, LLC also owns and operates Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort and Kringle Place Shopping Center.

Santa's Mom Unique Boutique

Today and Saturday from 10am to 7pm CDT a new Christmas gift shop will be having their Grand Opening! Santa's Mom, located at 3 N. Kringle Place, will be having a celebration these days and giving away lots of prizes. This will be a grand opening you don't want to miss. From unique vintage jewelry to Christmas collectibles, Santa's Mom has something for everyone to make their shopping experience complete in Santa Claus, Indiana.

"Stop Eating! Lincoln is in our Dirt Pudding!!"

Abraham Lincoln is on our minds--and in our food--here in Spencer County! After lunch at the Chateau today, Crystal, our office manager and Laura, the communications director from the Lincoln Amphitheatre, shared a bowl of dirt pudding for dessert. Munching came to a halt when Laura spotted our 16th president and yelled, "Stop eating! Lincoln is in our dirt pudding!" Sure enough, there he was, top hat and all!

If you're Thinkin' Lincoln too, come see the new play, LINCOLN, at the Lincoln Amphitheatre! Call 1-800-264-4223 or visit http://www.lincolnamphitheatre.com/.

Vote for photo featuring Holiday World's "HallowSwings" in My Indiana Summer Photo Contest!

Indiana's Official Travel Planning Source, Visit Indiana, is hosting a photo contest in celebration of Indiana Summers. A photo featuring Holiday World's "HallowSwings" (left) has been chosen as one of the top five of over 1,700 entries! Voting on the top five photos is now open to the public and the winner will receive an Indiana Trip. CLICK HERE to vote! Voting ends on August 3.

Steamy Day for Shooting B-roll at Lincoln State Park!

Yesterday was a hot one in Spencer County! Crystal, our office manager, and Amanda, our summer intern, accompanied a videographer around the county to capture footage of our beautiful area. On the left are some shots of the beach and picnic area at Lincoln State Park where the girls spent a few hours with the videographer. Don't let the lighting fool you, although it was cloudy the humidity made for a smotheringly hot day at the park! In the center picture you can see lots of sweaty campers taking advantage of the cool lake!

Crystal and Amanda were in for a surprise on the far end of the beach. Although they were originally supposed to just be along for the ride, the girls had to play a role in the video footage. Since there were no paddle boaters on the lake, Crystal and Amanda stepped in, suited up in life jackets and paddled around the lake for the camera!

Footage was also captured of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln Amphitheatre and various sites around both of the parks.

Fireworks Shows in Spencer County

Spencer County offers two prime spots to view fireworks this weekend:

Jenkins #254 American Legion
On Saturday, July 4th, the American Legion Post #254 in Rockport, Ind. will begin a fireworks show at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.).

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Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
A 15-minute firework display will begin shortly after Holiday World closes at 9:30 p.m. CDT on the 4th of July. Although the show will be visible throughout the park, the best place to view fireworks will be from the Thanksgiving section.

Intern Amanda was Step-on Guide for a Mystery Tour from Michigan!

Last Wednesday, June 24, our summer intern Amanda served as a step-on tour guide for a bus full of seniors from Michigan. Above is a collage she made for the group as a memento after a fun-filled day in Spencer County. Amanda led them to Dr. Ted's Musical Marvels for a nostalgic musical trip back in time, Windell's Cafe' for some delicious home cookin', Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial to learn about Lincoln's 14 years in Spencer County, Buffalo Run to feed buffalo and take part in an exciting presentation by Kathleen Crews, to the St. Meinrad Archabbey for a unique lodging experience and to the new dinner and show LINCOLN at the Lincoln Amphitheatre. On Thursday, June 25, Amanda and Crystal, our office manager, met the group for breakfast at the St. Meinrad Archabbey and led them to one last stop; the Santa Claus Museum.

"It was a great experience!" Amanda said, "definitely my favorite day of work here so far! Everyone was so nice and I couldn't have asked for a better group to lead on my first tour!"

To find out more about tour opportunities in Spencer County, call 1-888-444-9252.

Well-known Author and Motivational Speaker to Visit Spencer County for End-of-Summer Blowout!

Justin Lookadoo, well-known author and motivational speaker, will address the public at an end-of-summer blowout sponsored by St. Nicholas Catholic Church. The FREE event will be held at the Lincoln Amphitheatre inside Lincoln State Park on Saturday, August 22.

Justin Lookadoo is a motivational speaker for students. He has conducted over 3,500 presentations and has appeared on many radio and TV shows. Justin gives students practical steps to live with no regrets by choosing to avoid high-risk behaviors.

The blowout will also include performances by numerous local bands, a full concession stand, t-shirts and discounted Holiday World tickets for next-day use on Sunday, August 23.

For more information please visit St. Nicholas Catholic Church's website or send an e-mail to stnick@psci.net.

Honeymooning in Santa Claus

We attract people from all over--for all reasons!

This couple came all the way from Arkansas to make a stop in Santa Claus during their honeymoon! While in town they visited the Santa Claus Museum and Santa Claus Post Office and were headed on to see more of our unique town!

Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza Dedication

A crowd of more than 200 people gathered as Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza was dedicated June 12, 2009 at Lincoln State Park. Learn more about the new monument by visiting www.IndianasLincoln.org.

Opening Night is Tonight for LINCOLN

After two years of planning tonight is the world premiere of LINCOLN, a new theatrical experience written specifically for Lincoln Amphitheatre in Spencer County, Ind.

Below are photos from last night's final dress rehearsal! For tickets, visit www.LincolnAmphitheatre.com or call 1-800-264-4223.

First LINCOLN Dress Rehearsal a Success!

The beautiful costumes, set and multimedia screens were put to the test as the cast and crew of LINCOLN ran through the show last night for its first full dress rehearsal.

Check out http://tinyurl.com/ll9bgk to view all pictures from last night's dress rehearsal.

Spencer County Bird Farm

Summer is here! The birds are chirping--and hatching--outside the Spencer County Visitors Bureau office!

Baby birds are scattered about the sidewalk as they clumsily learn to fly down from their nests.

Rehearsals Begin at Lincoln Amphitheatre!

With less than a month until opening night, the cast and crew of LINCOLN - Forging Greatness began rehearsals this week at Lincoln Amphitheatre.

Above they are practicing a fight scene! How exciting! The new show, which opens June 12, will feature an Amish-Style meal, artisan demonstrations, a historical exhibit and a Broadway-quality production.

Call 800-264-4ABE for tickets!

Progress Continues on Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza

Construction workers put finishing touches on the Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza in Lincoln State Park. The plaza, a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, is scheduled for unveiling on June 12 at 10 a.m.

Rockport Lincoln Pioneer Village Hosts Rendezvous

Rockport Lincoln Pioneer Village hosted hundreds this weekend during it's first Rendezvous event! The park was packed with demonstrations on everything from muzzle loading to blacksmithing and weaving to sheep sheering.

A Civil War Encampment was set up along the outside of the village gates while inside each of the replica cabins from the Lincoln era featured different pioneer themes.

The South Spencer Rebel Singers along with village volunteers performed excerpts from Billy Ed Wheeler's Young Abe Lincoln.

Below is a slideshow of photos from the event. Enjoy!

Over 3,000 Attend Indiana Penny Unveiling at Lincoln Amphitheatre

Despite the rain a huge crowd of coin collectors and Lincolnfiles turned out today at the release of the U.S. Mint's new Indiana Penny. The one cent coin is the second in a series of four new pennies to be issued this year.

The event included more than 200 school children, the director of the U.S. Mint Edmond Moy, and The Celebration Singers.

More than 20,000 rolls of pennies were exchanged during the event in just a few hours time.

Taking the Plunge!

Last week, just before Holiday World opened for the season, I got a chance to take a ride on the world's new tallest water ride: Pilgrims Plunge. I am second from the back on the left side in the photo above. The one screaming her head off!

This ride is a great combination of a roller coaster, a water slide and a monsoon! I definitely suggest riding it in a swimsuit! You can actually access Pilgrims Plunge from Holiday World's "dry park" or the Splashin' Safari Water Park.

A few fun facts about Pilgrims Plunge:

TOWER HEIGHT:165 feet
ELEVATOR LIFT HEIGHT:135 feet
DROP:131 feet, 45-degree angle
BOATS:Five 10-passenger boats
TOP SPEED:50+ mph
RIDE TIME:2 minutes, 40 seconds
DUAL ENTRY:Board from Holiday World or Splashin' Safari
HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS:Riders must be at least 48" tall with shoes on or 47" when measured barefoot
WORLD RECORD:World's Tallest Water Ride

Pictured in the front row are Holiday World & Splashin' Safari owner Will Koch and Santa Claus himself who traded his sleigh for a boat on this day. It may take him until Christmas to get his boots to dry out! He was dumping a lot of water out of them after the ride!

You can find more photos from the Plunge's debut on my Facebook page!

Lake Rudolph Office Comes Down

The office of Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, which was severely damaged in a fire just after Christmas, was completely demolished on Monday to make room for a brand new office structure. The staff is currently working out of a temporary office trailer and fortunately the fire did not damage any of the campground area.

Here's another view of the demolition of the building, which was the Koch family residence before being converted to the Lake Rudolph office. For the sake of nostalgia, the stones from the home's fire place were salvaged and will be used in a fireplace in the new office building. Check back on the blog for new construction updates!

Lake Rudolph begins daily operations for the season this weekend! Click here to learn more about all the amenities at the campground from the huge Blitzen Bay swimming pool to the free wi-fi and Holiday World shuttle.

Old Tyme Fun at Pioneer Day

More than 200 people turned out Saturday for the Rockport Lincoln Pioneer Village Pioneer Day. Also held that day was a special event by the Spencer County Public Library in Rockport which featured a historic walking tour of the downtown area.

Below is a photo recap of some of the day's activities enjoyed by young and old alike. If you missed this one, another Pioneer Days event will be held at the Rockport Lincoln Pioneer Village October 3, so mark your calendar now!



You'll also find a complete list of our Lincoln Bicentennial activities at www.ThinkLincoln.org or on our Facebook Group: Lincoln's Indiana Home - Spencer County Fans!

Spring Stars at the Living Historical Farm

With baby chicks, baby lambs and a new born calf heading the line up at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial Living Historical Farm this spring season is sure to be a hit with all the school groups scheduled to visit.

Here's a slideshow of all the new additions at the farm this spring. Enjoy!

Are you pinching pennies??

If you're looking to save money on your vacation to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari or to visit our Abraham Lincoln sites, you'll want to check out all the coupons and discounts at www.LincolnPennyPincher.com!

We started airing radio commercials this week on 93.1WIBC and 1070 The FAN in Indianapolis. You can click on this link to hear the ad yourself! LincolnPennyPincher.mp3

Keep listening because in a couple weeks the station will start the Honest Abe Contest brought to you by Lincoln Penny Pincher.com! We'll be giving away tickets to Lincoln Amphitheatre and two getaway packages to Spencer County!

Lincoln Funeral Tribute Photos

A tribute to Abraham Lincoln, who lived in Spencer County from age 7 to 21, was held today at the Spencer County Courthouse in Rockport, Ind., 144 years to the day after his assassination. A replica of his casket was on display throughout the day as people came to pay their respects.

If you look carefully in this photo taken just this morning, you'll see some white streaks......SNOW! In April! I'm afraid the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus have had some sort of misunderstanding!!

Lincoln Funeral Tribute Event April 14

A detailed replica of Abraham Lincoln's casket will be on display Tuesday, April 14, at the Spencer County, Ind. Courthouse in Rockport, 144 years to the day after our 16th president's assassination.

This is the latest in a series of special events to commemorate 2009 at the bicentennial anniversary of Lincoln's birth in his boyhood home of Spencer County, Ind., where he lived from age 7 to 21.

Several community organizations will take part in a wreath laying ceremony to start off the Lincoln Funeral Tribute on April 14 at noon, CDT. At 6 p.m. a short film entitled Faces of Lincoln will be shown in the courthouse auditorium.

The replica casket will remain on exhibit for the public to view until midnight. As Lincoln's body traveled via train from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Ill., for burial it was displayed at many places into the early morning hours to accommodate the huge numbers of mourners who lined up to pay tribute to their president. Authentic down to the smallest details, this replica is circulated around the United States by the Batesville Casket Company of Indiana. President Lincoln's casket was the most elaborate of its time, constructed of solid walnut and completely covered in expensive black cloth. It was 6 feet, 6 inches long and was decorated with sterling silver handles and sterling silver studs extending the entire length of its sides.

People are urged to come to this event dressed in 1800's period clothing, although it is not required. Groups of individuals wishing to provide a wreath for the ceremony should call 812-489-0365.

Holiday World Begins Feeding Families Food Drive

This summer if you bring a canned food donation to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari to help a needy family, in return they'll help feed your own family.

During the months of May and June every ticket holder who donates at least two cans of food will receive $5 in Holibucks to spend in the park that day. You can use the Holibucks to at any of the park's restaurants, food booths, gift shops or game booths.

The goal of the Feeding families Food Drive is to collect 200,000 cans! They will go to four different food pantries in Indianapolis, Evansville, Louisville and Nashville. Items needed include shelf stable meals, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, canned tuna or chicken.

For complete details visit www.HolidayWorld.Com/Give

Lincoln Boyhood Welcomes New Additions

The Living Historical Farm at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial welcomed two baby lambs into the world this morning! I couldn't wait to get over there to snap some photos of these adorable fuzzy little things!

This spring a total of 3 lambs have been born at Lincoln Boyhood and a baby calf is due any day now.

All this spring's new additions can be seen by the public when the Living Historical Farm opens for the season on Sunday, April 12.

Ahhh, a mother's love! This mama was pretty protective of her little one and didn't much like me climbing around in the pen trying to get the best camera angle.

Although this mama sheep is black and brown, her little lamb is as white as snow!

This little lamb is trying out his wobbly new legs! I think he'll get the hang of it soon enough.

Flatboat Trip Motors up for Auction on eBay

Two 150-horse-power Mercury Verado outboard engines used on the Lincoln's Journey of Remembrance Flatboat Trip are now up for auction on eBay to benefit future Lincoln projects in Spencer County, Ind.

A reserve amount of $12,000 has been set for the pair of motors, used to take a 60-foot pioneer era replica flatboat from Rockport, Ind., to New Orleans, La. last fall. Proceeds will go to Think Lincoln, Inc.

Here's a link to the auction page on eBay!

New Mural at Lincoln Amphitheatre

Judy Powers of Mt. Vernon, Ind., is working on a Civil War Battlefield mural as part of a new interpretive center at Lincoln Amphitheatre. Since Mt. Vernon is about an hour and a half from us here in Spencer County, Judy has been staying with me this week at my house. It's been a treat!

After four days of progress, here is how it's looking:

I'll post another photo when the painting is finished!

Taking a spring drive.....

One of the things I love most about Spencer County is its hilly, curvy, winding country roads. Especially this time of year when you see bunches of daffodils growing wild along the sides of the highways and bright white blooms of pear trees all around.

I'd suggest a trip down the Ohio River Scenic Byway along Highway 66 in Southern Spencer County.

Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza is Taking Shape

Work on a new tribute to Abraham Lincoln's Spencer County, Indiana, youth is well underway at Lincoln State Park. Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza will open to the public on June 12, the same day as the premiere of LINCOLN, a new theatrical experience at Lincoln Amphitheatre.

The plaza, which is funded by the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, features a circle, divided into many sections. Where you see the squares above, a limestone pedestal will be located featuring an interpretive sign signifying key milestones in Lincoln's formative Indiana years, from ages 7 to 21.

The back half of the plaza, shown here, will feature a twice life size bronze bust atop a pedestal set up in the center. The bust is being created by Will Clark a sculptor from Ft. Wayne, Ind.

Here is an overview of the plaza from the front....it will be so pretty when all the trees behind it have green leaves on them! You could almost envision a young Abe skipping through those same woods!

When it's finished the Plaza should look like this:

I'm ready to take the Plunge!

Below is a slide show from the Holiday World & Splashin' Safari construction site showing crews topping off the new Pilgrims Plunge ride. When completed in May, it will be the World's Tallest Water Ride......10 feet taller than Niagara Falls!



If just can't get enough Pilgrims Plunge Pic's, you can also find more photos of today's construction event today posted "as it happened" on my facebook page!

Topping off Pilgrims Plunge

Tomorrow will be an exciting day as construction crews at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari place the top piece on the 16-story elevator tower for the world's tallest water ride: Pilgrims Plunge.

I can't wait to watch! But for those of you at home, you don't have to be in Santa Claus to see it!

You can watch via the Construction Cam on Holiday World's website!

Click here to see what's happening!

You can also follow me on Twitter and I'll give you the play by play! http://twitter.com/SpencerCtyVB

Follow us on Twitter!

Want to know the very latest on what's happening in Spencer County???

Follow us on Twitter at this link: http://twitter.com/SpencerCtyVB

This also will be a great way to stay up to date with all the ongoing Lincoln Bicentennial Celebrations.

How much would you pay for a penny??

The U.S. Mint released the first in a series of 4 new pennies on Lincoln's 200th Birthday, Feb. 12. I've been watching my change like a hawk to see if I could spot one, but after nearly a month still haven't seen one.

After chatting with some fellow Lincoln enthusiasts at the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission meeting last week, I found out none of them have seen them either.

Several coin collector websites say that these new pennies will in fact be quite rare and may not ever make it into the general coin circulation. In part because of the current economic state, people are spending less money, so less money is being released by the Mint. It seems people are digging through their couch cushions turning in more change than banks need right now.

We all know there is one place to find anything you're looking for...EBAY!

After a brief bidding war, I paid $20 for a 50 cent roll of pennies. Talk about inflation!

Spencer County will be the site for the release of the second penny in this series. A special event will be held May 14 in Lincoln City. Details are still being worked out, so stay tuned!

Signs of Spring...

For some people, they know spring is coming when they see the tulips coming up or the buds on the trees. For us here in Spencer County, a sure sign of spring is seeing construction at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.

This will be the splash pool at the bottom of Pilgram's Plunge, the World's Tallest Water Ride!


The first vertical steel piece of Pilgrim's Plunge! When the ride is complete it will be 165 feet tall.

Lincoln Amphitheatre Unveils Set Design

Here's a video explaining the new set design for LINCOLN, which will premiere at Lincoln Amphitheatre on June 12. You can find more info at LincolnAmphitheatre.com

Holiday World Makes Oprah's Wacky Family Attractions List

The popular website Oprah.com just released it's list of Wacky Family Attractions in an effort to encourage people to vacation closer to home this year and Spencer County's Holiday World & Splashin' Safari made the list!!

You might think it is insulting, but we don't mind being called wacky! We'll take that as a compliment! Thanks Oprah! I mean, we have to admit it is a little wacky celebrating Christmas all year long, having a Santa Claus statue outside your office and a Christmas Tree on your desk!

It's also a little wacky that a Holiday World would offer free unlimited softdrinks, free sunscreen, free inner tubes and free parking. But what can we say, we're just a little wacky here in Santa Claus, Ind.! And wacky in this case, saves you money!! There's nothing wacky about saving money! That's just smart!

Give a Lincoln for Lincoln

The National Park Foundation recently launched a new fund drive to help preserve the six sites associated with Abraham Lincoln's life and legacy, including Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, here in Spencer County.

The goal of the campaign is to encourage people of all ages to donate Lincoln-head pennies, five dollar bills, or make larger donations online. They hope to raise $200,000, which is $1,000 for every year since Lincoln's birth.

Learn more at the National Park Foundation Website.

Looking for Lincoln.....on YOUTUBE!

Lincoln Amphitheatre is looking for an Abraham Lincoln for its new show opening in June: LINCOLN - a new theatrical experience!

Post your best rendition of the Gettysburg Address on YOUTUBE to be considered. There have already been quite a few would-be-Lincolns post their videos! Here's one who may be a little young for the part, but shows lots of promise!



Click here for a complete list of audition locations across the Mid-West!

Looking for a job??

Both Holiday World & Splashin' Safari and Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort will host job fairs this Saturday, Feb. 7, in Santa Claus, Ind.

Lake Rudolph's job fair will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the upstairs of the Santa Claus American Legion Hall.

Holiday World's job fair will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enter at the Raven Parking Lot.

Obama to Dine like Lincoln

All eyes will be on the inauguration of Barack Obama on Tuesday and the day is said to be filled with Abraham Lincoln tributes from top hat to bottom. 2009 is after all, Lincoln's much anticipated bicentennial so it is fitting that the inauguration's theme is "A New Birth of Freedom."

Obama will be sworn in using the same bible as Lincoln and the post-inauguration lunch includes culinary traditions from the Lincoln-era served on Mary Todd Lincoln's own china. They're even cooking up wild game just like Abe would have eaten as a boy growing up here on the frontier in Spencer County, Ind. The menu is said to include duck breast with cherry chutney, molasses whipped sweet potatoes, and cinnamon apple sponge cake.

I don't know about you, but I want the recipes!!

Here's a link to get them on Delish.com.