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Oquawka

Oquawka is located in western Illinois in Henderson County (of which it is the county seat). It is situated 30 miles west of Galesburg on Highway 164 on the banks of the Mississippi River. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 1,563, an increase of 121 since 1990.

The town's history begins in 1827 when Dr. Isaac Galland staked his claim to lands proscribed in the Military Tract--land ceded to veterans of the War of 1812 against the British. The land was an area north of the Illinois River and east of the Mississippi River.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Oquawka is only minutes south of Delabar State Park, Big River State Forest and the Oquawka Game Refuge.

In an unfortunate turn of events, Norma Jean, a 6500-pound, 30-year old elephant touring with the Clark and Walters Circus was electrocuted in 1972 by a bolt of lightning. She is buried on the spot where she fell and a large boulder serves as a poignant reminder.


Illinois State Parks Delabar State Park |

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02/18 Coming to The area
Dutch Days Festival Fulton IL May3-4 Arts and Crafts Vendors; Food and Concession Stands; Windmill Tours; Dutch Dancing and Costumes; Antique Tractor Display; Dutch Treasures Display; Heritage Canyon w/Early American Crafters; Hindeloopen Painting Demo and Sales; Stippling Display and Parade.
Peoria Heights Art Fair Peoria Heights IL May11 A great weekend is planned; the show coincides with the Race for the Cure and the Illinois Art League members show at the Village Hall. A hospitality tent will be open throughout the Art Fair with coffee and donuts in the morning and water and fruit during the day .
Marion Arts Festival Marion IA May18 the festival offers a high caliber, fully accessible cultural experience – a day of fine art and flip flops, families and connoisseurs, fun and education.
Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair Springfield IL May18-19 Whether you are a serious art collector or are just developing an appreciation, there is original art here for you, in the form of jewelry, sculpture, photography, glassware, pottery, wood, metalwork, oils, watercolors, and other media.
Summer Camp Music Festival Chillicothe IL May24-26 The first Summer Camp Music Festival was held in 2001 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL. About 1,000 attended the festival that year, and enjoyed over 20 bands on 2 stages over the course of 2 days. Since then, Summer Camp Music Festival has grown to more than 15,000 attendees, hosting more than 100 bands on 7 stages over 3 days.
Art on Main Fine Arts Festival Canton IL June1-2 This inaugural fine arts festival will feature original art from the best of our Midwest artists. Come to view and to purchase excellent art pieces in a variety of categories: Painting / Drawing, Jewelry, Clay / Ceramic, Photography, Glass, Sculpture, Woven Textiles, and Wood.
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