SPRINGFIELD - A series of festivals, parades and other events will mark the 200th anniversary of Illinois adopting its state constitution.
Among the celebrations planned for Aug. 26 is the dedication of a new Bicentennial Plaza next to the Illinois Governor's Mansion in Springfield.
Constitution Day festivities also are planned in Galena and Dixon, and East St. Louis hosts a Heritage Festival. Gov. Bruce Rauner is holding a Route 66 Motorcycle Ride that will travel from Shorewood to Springfield.
Illinois ratified its constitution on Aug. 26, 1818 and became the 21st state in the union a few months later, on Dec. 3.
Stuart Layne is executive director of the Governor's Office of the Bicentennial. He says the statewide activities were designed so people may travel a short distance to participate.
