DECATUR - Having played a vital role in Abraham Lincoln's road to politics, the city where he gave his first speech wouldn't feel right if it didn't join in on the nationwide festivities of his bicentennial.

And though the 200th birthday isn't until Feb. 12, the celebration has already begun.

Lincoln's life will be observed as part of Decatur's International Arts Experience.

"We're really on the cutting edge of Lincoln's bicentennial celebration," said Sue Powell, gallery director of the Decatur Area Arts Council. "The International Arts Experience just happened to fall on his bicentennial."

The third annual International Arts Experience will feature activities, art exhibits and music with an international flair throughout May, June and July. A high point will be the Lakeside Music and Arts Festival, set for July 4 to 6.

In June and July, the Lincoln experience will include a dinner theater presentation, a Lincoln sculpture demonstration by artist John McClarey and an exhibit of Lincoln art from the mid-19th century to the present.

The Shadows of Lincoln Festival downtown will be June 7.

In its third year, the International Arts Experience has extended from two months to three. This is due to the growing number of people and groups involved with it, Powell said.

She said that, as she called local businesses and organizations looking for their participation, she noticed that the event is becoming better-known and established as beneficial to the community.

"They knew what it was," she said. "It takes a while to get the word around about a new event. It's a good sign that the community has embraced the concept."

Brian Byers, vice president of community affairs for Joyner Radio and producer of the Lakeside Festival, sees the event as becoming more inclusive as more people get involved.

"One of the things I enjoy is how we're marketing our community ¦ in a new way," Byers said, adding that the event makes Decatur look like a "creative and diverse place."

He also noted that "99 percent of what we (offer) is free."

Capping off the celebration will be a showcase of foods and entertainment from around the world; Kidstock, a Children's Museum of Illinois event that will entertain and educate children on other cultures; and "Abraham Lincoln in Song."

Some may wonder how Lincoln's life is connected to countries outside the United States, Powell said, but she found that Lincoln is an important figure around the world.

"He's the most well-known and revered president on a global scale," she said.

But Byers said we must remember America, too.

"The United States is part of the international experience," he said. "It'd be silly not to acknowledge that."

To learn more

For a listing of events during the International Arts Experience, go to www.decaturarts.org.

Youth groups can contact the Decatur Area Arts Council at 423-3189 to set up a Lincoln tour and a hands-on activity for children.

Alicia Spates can be reached at aspates@herald-review.com or 421-6986.