Business, civic and nonprofit leaders met at Illinois REALTORS® in Springfield on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, to discuss plans for Aug. 26 Constitution Day in Illinois.

Illinois REALTORS® hosted representatives from community groups, government and local businesses to discuss plans for the Aug. 26 Constitution Day in Illinois and the signature event of the dedication of Bicentennial Plaza, A REALTOR® Community Partnership.

Illinois Bicentennial executive director Stuart Layne talks about plans to celebrate the state’s 200th birthday at a meeting on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Illinois REALTORS® building in Springfield.

Those attending also got an update on the Bicentennial Plaza, a REALTOR® Community Partnership, which is a pedestrian walkway located on a corridor which links the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion and the Illinois Capitol.

The project, which is under construction on land owned by Illinois REALTORS®, is slated to be a focal point for the bicentennial celebration in downtown Springfield Aug. 26. Bicentennial Plaza will feature interpretive displays which connect people and places with Lincoln’s vision for equality for all.

Attending the meeting was Stuart Layne, Illinois Bicentennial executive director. He said plans are to have musical acts as part of the event, but noted that most of the lineup for the official celebration Aug. 26 was still being finalized. The dedication is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Plaza.

Attending the update meeting were representatives including those from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, The Hoogland Center for the Arts, Lincoln Library, the city of Springfield, the Illinois Bicentennial Coordinating Committee of Springfield  and the state of Illinois.

Each attendee outlined preliminary plans they were forming to mark Constitution Day on Aug. 26.

The Aug. 24-26 weekend coincides with the annual Old Capitol Blues and BBQ Fest, and organizers are looking to tie the event to the bicentennial celebration.