Bloomington-Normal has a right to be proud of its role in the life of Abraham Lincoln.

Saturday's festival is a good way to celebrate that connection and a good way for residents to learn more about it.

Events connected with the Lincoln's Bloomington Festival will be staged at several locations, including the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington Public Library, The Oaks mansion grounds and the Burr House Bed and Breakfast.

Having activities at various locations is a good way to expose people to a number of Lincoln sites in the community. Be sure to read the "Looking for Lincoln" signs to learn more about where Lincoln and his cohorts spent their time while Lincoln was a circuit-riding lawyer beginning his political career.

People come from across the state and beyond to tour the David Davis Mansion -- built by the man Lincoln named to the U.S. Supreme Court after becoming president. Yet how many Twin City residents have yet to visit the site -- or only do so to show it off when guests are in town.

This weekend, pretend you are the tourist. Visit the mansion, museum and other sites. Sit on the bench on the east side of the courthouse and pose with the statue of Lincoln -- or photograph several of the re-enactors who will be part of the festival.

You can make a real "tourist" day of it by also taking in the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market on Saturday morning.

You might consider using a bicycle to get around. The David Davis Mansion, 100 Monroe Drive, is easily accessible from Constitution Trail and the Burr House, 210 E. Chestnut, is less than a mile away. The Oaks, 301 E. Grove St., is about a half-mile off Constitution Trail, riding west on Grove Street. From there, the library, 205 E. Olive St., is a couple of blocks away.

From the library, it is about four blocks to downtown Bloomington and the Museum of History, 200 N. Main St.

Consider yourself the bicycle equivalent of a Lincoln-era circuit rider. Choose your connecting streets carefully, obey the rules of the road and remember that a helmet is probably a wiser choice than a stovepipe hat.

For schedule of events

Check last Monday's Pantagraph, Page A3

Go to www.pantagraph.com/lincolnfest.