A unique Independence Day celebration is coming up at Rock Springs Conservation Area in Decatur. This event will give visitors the chance to experience the Fourth of July the way it may have been celebrated more than 160 years ago.

The Homestead Prairie Farm will host the Independence Day 1860 celebration on Saturday, June 27th, from 6 to 8 PM. This free, all-ages event is open to the public and does not require registration. Visitors can step back in time and explore the historic Homestead Prairie Farm, which features an 1860s-era farmhouse that has been converted into a museum. Tours will be led by costumed interpreters, offering a look into what life was like during that time period.

Guests can also visit the heirloom garden, where Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension will be available to answer gardening questions and share their knowledge. The event will also feature activities for all ages, including the opportunity to try out children’s toys and games from the 1800s, giving visitors a chance to experience some of the simple entertainment enjoyed by families generations ago.

At 6:30 PM, the Rock Springs Dulcimer Club will provide live musical entertainment. Organizers say visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the evening outdoors. Shaded tables and benches will be available, and guests can also bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to relax under the trees.

The event will continue rain or shine. If weather conditions become an issue, the concert will move indoors to the auditorium at the Rock Springs Nature Center, while other activities will continue as planned.

For more information and full event details, visit MaconCCD.org.