Date:

January 15, 2004

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Sandi Witkowicz, Convention and Visitors Bureau, 434-5337

Mayor Coleen J. Seng today announced plans for the City’s fourth annual Abraham Lincoln Celebration from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, February 15, at North Star High School. The Celebration is free to the public and will feature a concert of patriotic music by the Lincoln Municipal Band. Nationally recognized Lincoln portrayer Fritz Klein who performed at the 2002 celebration will return, this time performing with Joyce Browning as Mary Todd Lincoln.

“We are adding several ‘firsts’ this year. It’s the first time we’ve had someone portraying Mrs. Lincoln, the first time the Lincoln Municipal Band has been part of the event, and the first time we’ve had the Celebration at North Star High School,” said Mayor Seng. “It’s an entertaining and educational family event. I want to thank our generous community donors who make it possible for this event to be free. And I encourage everyone to come help us celebrate the 195th birthday of one of our greatest presidents.”

A volunteer steering committee has planned the Celebration. Producers are the City of Lincoln and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The 33-member Lincoln Municipal Band will perform from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. in the Auditorium. The band was formed more than 90 years ago, making it the oldest professional music organization in the state. The band is also Nebraska’s only professional wind ensemble. It presents its concerts in a traditional turn-of-the-20th century concert format. More information is available at www.artsincorporated.org/lmb/.

Klein and Browning will perform from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Auditorium. Brown is from Charleston, West Virginia and has been portraying Mary Todd Lincoln since 1996. Klein lives in Springfield, Illinois and has been portraying President Lincoln since 1976. He is considered by many to be one of the nation’s foremost Lincoln actors, appearing in 35 states for film and television, on stage and as a motivational speaker. More information is available at LincolnInstitute.com.

Also on the schedule:

• Children can enjoy toys, games and crafts from noon to 6 p.m., with storytelling by Virginia Opocensky scheduled for 1 and 1:30 p.m.
• The Smith Family Band from Hastings will be back for its third year to perform Civil War era music for re-enactors and the public to dance starting at noon.
• Those dressing as President Lincoln can enter the “Impersonators Contest” by registering at the information desk at North Star. Judging is at 1:30 p.m.
• A Birthday Party begins at 2 p.m. and includes a mayoral proclamation, awards for the Impersonators Contest and free birthday cake.
• Lincoln musician Chris Sayre will play folk and traditional music in the commons area from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.

A variety of Abraham Lincoln exhibits will be on display, and area Civil War re-enactors in authentic uniforms will mingle with the crowd and answer questions. Those attending are encouraged to wear costumes from the era. Refreshments and souvenirs will be available.