The Lincoln Log Cabin affiliates canceled its most popular event, Harvest Frolic and Agriculture Fair, because of budgets cuts forcing the site to close on Oct. 1.

Smaller school programs will still be held at the site because of private funding from the Lincoln/Sargent Farm Foundation.

Currently, Harvest Frolic remains the only cancellation on the calendar of events for the rest of the year.

However, lack of funding could cut the remaining year’s activities that are not sponsored by private donations, such as A Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, Nov. 28, and Christmas Candlelight Tours, Dec. 5.

The state cut funding to Illinois’ historical sites in half, forcing twelve sites to close Oct. 1.

The budget cuts led to layoffs that directly affected the Lincoln Log Cabin’s most labor-intensive events. Fifth grade students will still be able to tour and participate in activities that help them learn about the site’s history.

John Woodruff, president of the Lincoln/Sargent Farm Foundation, said the foundation has always supported school programs and they will remain scheduled at the site this month, October and the spring.

The foundation maintains the site’s Web site and encourages viewers to write their legislative representatives to restore funding. A sample letter can be downloaded on the home page.

In addition to the foundation’s efforts, Coles County, Charleston and Mattoon councils have scheduled to vote for funding support for the Lincoln Log Cabin, which helped to bring in $43 million in tourism to Coles County last year, according to lincolnlogcabin.org.

“Tourism revenue and economic viability of the local communities will be impacted,” said City Manager Scott Smith in his memorandum to the council. “Long term, the education of our children and the ability to recapture travelers’ attention and dollars are affected.”

Charleston’s city council is scheduled to vote on the resolution proposed by Smith Sept. 16.

The county and Mattoon will vote at their respective meetings as well.

“The money used to maintain our state’s historic and cultural touchstones is well worth our time, effort and expense,” Smith said.

Krystal Moya can be reached at 581-7942 or at [email protected].