FESTIVAL | Tasteful teachings

“E Pluribus unum” is the 2013 theme of this year’s Prairieland Chautauqua to be held four evenings over Labor Day weekend. Modeled after traditional Chautauquas, which were educational gatherings named after the first, held on Lake Chautauqua, the Jacksonville get-togethers include musical shows, storytellers, communal suppers and re-enactors representing famous Americans. On the lineup: Brian “Fox” Ellis, Pam Brown as Mary Todd Lincoln, Fritz Klein as Abraham Lincoln, Hank Fincken as Thomas Edison, Chris Vallilo as Stephen Foster and more. Look for the big tent. Dinner reservations can be made in advance or at the check-in table.

Visit jacksonvilleil.org/chautauqua for a complete list of each day’s presentations.