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STATEHOUSE–The Lincoln Amphiteatre is celebrating its 35th anniversary in Spencer County. A House Resolution was presented at the Statehouse this week to honor the impact it has had on educating people about the life of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

“The Lincoln Amphitheatre is a community landmark with a profound impact in Spencer County. Not only does the amphitheatre bring in tourism dollars from concert-goers visiting the area, but the venue also helps showcase Indiana’s rich history, including President Lincoln’s boyhood home,” said State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty). Bartels represents House District 74, which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford, and Orange counties.

From age 7 to 21, Lincoln lived in the area, which is now known as Lincoln State Park. The amphitheatre is located within the park. The regular performances that are held there are what Bartels calls “tremendous educational” opportunities.

“We’ve got tourists from 27 states that come here to see the shows, the economic impact to the DNR, from the gate fees, etc. This is huge down there. We’d like to invest in more than that to help them become a little more self-sustainable. What we really need is a huge investment to increase the seats there. We would like them to get to 2,500 seats,” said Bartels.

Throughout the years, renovations and operation funding for the Lincoln Amphitheatre has been supported by the Indiana General Assembly, including $1.6 million in 2007 for facility upgrades and funds for the production of an Abraham Lincoln play.

In addition to the Lincoln plays, the venue also is known for hosting musical acts and much more.