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The Times / shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday August 12, 2026
OTTAWA DEBATE DAYS
2 state will once d, visitors from across the 23r e th h ug ro th h 15t st gu raham From Au n to hear the words of Ab tow wn do ic tor his a’s taw sque Washagain converge on Ot Douglas. The city’s picture A. en ph Ste al riv ate sen ago, Lincoln and his bate attendees 168 years de of es or sc d ste ho ich ities and ington Square Park, wh fun family-friendly festiv of s ek we o tw for b hu a will now serve as ys. g the inaugural Debate Da historic celebrations durin g 2026 an ’s 250th anniversary, makin ica er Am th wi s ide inc l co t This even tion’s history and semina na e th on ct fle re to ar ye porary especially meaningful that still shape our contem te, ba de s gla ou -D and engaging oln nc events, like the Li ican independence with fun er Am of s ar ye 0 25 te ra utique leb tivities, local food, and bo ac lives. Debate Days will ce s kid t, en nm tai ter en e ided tours, liv story. historic reenactments, gu ribution to the American nt co a’s taw Ot of e sit e th near shopping - all taking place took place Lincoln-Douglas debates ry da en leg w no en sev of e first and Stephen A. Held on August 21, 1858, th between Abraham Lincoln ge an ch ex l ota piv is Th re of a . rk , leadership, and the futu at Washington Square Pa ry ve sla on n tio sa er nv co e national can immerse Douglas helped shape th eks of festivities, visitors we o tw ese th g rin Du r. wa nsion civil d tours of the Reddick Ma ide nation on the precipice of gu ts, en tm ac en re te y through deba hibits at the themselves in that histor tic debate artifacts and ex en th au g rin plo ex by e, sit debate historic walking that overlooked the famed , and through downtown um se Mu e ag rit He g tin ou Ottawa Historical and Sc rich past to life. y’s cit tours that bring the also tion to the region, but it’s ec nn co his d an y ac leg ’s n of Lincoln roughout Debate Days is a celebratio such a remarkable city. Th a taw Ot ry ra po em nt co s at make g an appearance by a 35ft rin tu a chance to experience wh fea de ra pa 0 25 ’s t Taste perience America ur votes during The Grea the week, visitors can ex yo st ca d an ne isi cu al , sample loc sic and enterinflatable Lincoln balloon ail Bike Ride, enjoy live mu Tr is ino Ill d an Gr e th in s, an cipate d let the kids enjoy game an Debate competition, parti s, op sh al loc e iqu un town, browse u’re a lifetainment throughout down venger hunt. Whether yo sca ide -w ity un mm co a d cial, an e, Debate Days old-fashioned ice cream so of Ottawa for the first tim ms ar ch e th g rin ve co dis heritage e charm, hospitality, and long history enthusiast or th g sin ca ow sh ile wh n y generatio offers something for ever nation worth exploring. that makes the city a desti of Ottawa, Visitors Center, The City a taw Ot e Th , ce er mm Co to r of r Destinations are proud do The Ottawa Area Chambe rri Co e ag rit He d an ee ks, and Events Committ aring the stories, landmar The City of Ottawa Special sh by ry sa er niv an th 250 America’s hether you’re promote Debate Days and historic communities. W st mo ’ ois in Ill of e on a ing a taw local businesses, or enjoy e experiences that make Ot iqu un g rin ve co dis e, rkable heritag ur stay and exploring the city’s rema tless reasons to extend yo un co d fin l u’l yo , fun ily t and fam weekend of entertainmen has to offer. a ys/ experience all that Ottaw wail.com/event/debate-da tta ito vis to: ad he n, tio ma For more infor
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OTTAWA DEBATE DAYS The Times /shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, August 12, 2026 LNT/OTT
LNT/OTT
The Times / shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday August 12, 2026
OTTAWA DEBATE DAYS
4 Dear Friends, It's hard to believe we're already talking about another Concert for a Cause. Somehow, a whole year has passed since our last one. I'll never forget standing there last year, watching the rain come down and wondering how the night would turn out. And then all of you showed up anyway. You laughed, you sang, you danced, and together we made it our most successful Concert for a Cause ever. It was such a beautiful reminder that this community always shows up for Friendship House. This year, I couldn't be more excited to welcome Grammy-nominated Nashville singersongwriter Anderson East. If you've never heard him live, you're in for something special. His voice is soulful, gritty, and heartfelt-the kind that gives you goosebumps and makes you forget about everything else for a while. Music has always had a way of bringing people together, and that's exactly what this night is about. Yes, it's a fundraiser, but it's also an evening where neighbors become friends, strangers sing along together, and every ticket purchased helps create opportunities for the incredible people we serve at Friendship House. If you've been to one of our concerts before, you know they aren't just concerts-they're an experience. They're intimate, they're unforgettable, and they're filled with people who believe in making our community a little brighter. And if you've never joined us, I hope this is the year you do. We'll have food trucks, beer, wine, and other beverages available, but the best part of the night will be sharing great music with great people for a great cause. Thank you for believing in Friendship House year after year. Your support means more than you'll ever know, and I can't wait to spend another unforgettable evening with all of you. To purchase tickets, simply scan the QR code on this page. See you there!
Executive Director Ottawa Friendship House Allisonp@ottawafriendship.com
5 OTTAWA DEBATE DAYS The Times /shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, August 12, 2026 LNT/OTT
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The Times / shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday August 12, 2026
OTTAWA DEBATE DAYS
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Experience a Party for the Arts!
Saturday August 15th 6 to 10PM
Get Your Tickets! www.ottawacenter.org/2026gala
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OTTAWA DEBATE DAYS The Times /shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday, August 12, 2026 LNT/OTT
LNT/OTT
The Times / shawlocal.com/mywebtimes • Wednesday August 12, 2026
OTTAWA DEBATE DAYS
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C E L E B R A T E
0 5 2 A C I R AME IN THE
THE FIRST HUNDRED MILES
STARVED ROCK COUNTRY
I&M CANAL TOWNS
Your next road trip begins on The First Hundred Miles of Route 66. Cruise down the Mother Road and experience classic diners, one-of-a-kind photo ops, and mid-century Americana neon lights.
Starved Rock Country invites visitors to unplug and unwind. Hike past waterfalls and canyons and explore the region’s limestone terrain. Relax in accommodations ranging from treehouses and cabins to campsites.
Experience the charm of the I&M Canal Towns. These communities seamlessly blend landmark architecture, natural beauty, and historic downtowns with locallyowned shops and restaurants.
Plan your next trip
HCDestinations.com