FESTIVALS | Three evenings of culture, learning

Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt once referred to the Chautauqua, the adult education movement made popular in the 19 th and 20 th centuries, as, “The most American thing in America.” Chautauqua festivals included musical shows, storytellers, communal suppers and evenings with reenactors representing famous Americans. Modeled after a traditional Chautauqua, the 17 th Annual Prairieland Chautauqua spans three evenings and will feature portrayals of Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy by Leslie Goddard, stories by Brian Fox Ellis, magician and juggler Troy Roark, music by Chris Vallillo, and much more. This educational event is free for the entire family, although donations will be accepted. For more information about the 17th Annual Prairieland Chautauqua, visit http://jacksonvilleil.org, or call the Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 243-5678.