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Lincoln-Douglas Debates in Freeport

FREEPORT - The reunion tour to mark the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates is in Freeport this week.

Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas re-enactors will be taking part in a full list of events starting Friday and ending Monday.

The re-enactors will discuss some of the important issues that shaped the race for the U.S. Senate seat. Douglas won the seat, but Lincoln capitalized on the popularity of the debates to eventually win the Presidency in 1860.

Two Freeport actors will play the roles of the candidates. George Buss will star as Abraham Lincoln and Tim Connor will play Stephen A. Douglas.

Wednesday, visitors to a new exhibit got to see original items from the famous debates.

Here's a look at the other Lincoln-Douglas Events:

• Friday, August 29 - Civil War music preview, Torchlight Parade and Abolitionists Rally, and the Winneshiek Players present "Mrs. Lincoln."
• Saturday, August 30 - All-day walking tours, Sesquicentennial Parade, First Brigade Band performance, Reunion Tour '08 Performance at Debate Square, Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square Dedication, Winneshiek Players present "Mrs. Lincoln," and the 1858 Grand Ball.
• Sunday, August 31 - Family Day Art in the Park; Community Duck Race; and "Lincoln's Life:  A Thomas Edison Film," and "Young Abe Lincoln" at the Lindo Theatre.
• Monday, September 1 - Flavors of Lincoln's Freeport Food and Music Festival.