Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest
August 16, 2011By Blair Thomas
Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest and Crafts Festival
September 20-22, 2013.
Once a considerable chore, splitting logs into rails is now celebrated as a fierce competition at the 43rd annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest.
Men and women compete in four divisions for railsplitting, and other events include a trap shoot, tomahawk throw and wood carving. Arts and crafts, food and children’s games are also planned.
The event was first celebrated in 1970, and during its early years, emphasis was placed on historical accuracy. Everyone who participated in the competition had to wear period costumes. Today, competitors can dress how they please, but the art of splitting rails is the same as it has been since Lincoln’s day.
Find more details and competition rules at www.railsplitting.com.
