Raggedy Ann Revival Effort

The Raggedy Ann Rally is the most recent iteration of a gathering of Raggedy Ann fans that has been meeting in Arcola since 1989. Previously the Raggedy Ann Festival, this gathering of fans has attracted people from all over the globe to buy and sell Raggedy merchandise and meet up with friends! These days, it is a slightly smaller production, but with the new energy that the fandom has experienced recently, we have the perfect opportunity to bring more people to it.

Each year, a Raggedy Ann character is chosen to be the main theme. 2026's character is Betsy Bonnetstring!

Have questions not answered here? Looking for ticket forms or people to plan with?

• Contact John and Kathy Ellis at @rags_r_us@yahoo.com or call/text 217-251-7947
• Contact us at theraggedyannrevivaleffort@gmail.com
• Raggedy Ann Rally official Facebook group
  • Official updates and schedules
• Raggedy Ann Rally Social Club official Facebook group
  • Planning and general discussion
• Unofficial Rally Discord server
  • Run by RARE, planning and general discussion with updates from the official rally sources

FAQ

• Where is it?
• When is it?
• What events are going on this year?
• What is the ADA accessibility?
• What are the accommodations?
• How do I get my ticket for the banquet?
• What are "happies"?
• Do people come in cosplay?
• How do I become a vendor?

Where is it?

In Arcola, Illinois, the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle! A small town in the middle of Amish country, 2 1/2 hours south of Chicago. The banquet takes place in Arthur, another town just 15 minutes away.

When is it?

The Rally always takes place in the first half of June. In 2026, it will be June 11th to 13th.

What events are taking place this year?

The 2026 schedule has not been fully released, this is an estimate based on past years.

What is the ADA accessibility?

This list is incomplete at the moment, we are still working to contact the spaces, and some information will not be confirmed until we attend the 2026 Rally. Please contact us with any specific needs or questions if you would like us to search on your behalf.

Fully wheelchair accessible:

• The Arcola Center
  • flat plane with no steps or incline
• The Arcola Masonic Lodge
  • flat plane with no steps or incline
• Arcola Visitor's Center
  • accessibility ramp to the door
  • slightly tight navigation inside
• Yoder’s Kitchen
  • flat plane with no steps or incline
  • tight navigation, may request assistance

Partially wheelchair accessible:

• Covered Pavillion
  • traversal over grass
• Gruelle Memorial
  • traversal over grass
• Broomcorn Palace
  • first floor is fully accessible, upper floors do not have an elevator (under construction as of spring 2026)

Restrooms:

• The Arcola Center (when Market is open)
• The Arcola Masonic Lodge (when events are open)
• Yoder’s Kitchen
• Broomcorn Palace

There are no public restrooms at the Arcola Visitor Center, Covered Pavillion or Gruelle Memorial. Businesses nearby may have open restrooms, and the Arcola Center is a few blocks away.

Allergy Info:

The dinner served at the Raggedy Ann Banquet at Yoder's Kitchen contains shrimp, nuts, wheat, and dairy. The food is served buffet-style, so there is high risk of cross-contamination. You can order from the normal kitchen, but it will not be covered by your Banquet ticket. Please contact Kathy for alternate options.

What are the accommodations?

Transportation:

The nearest airport is in Champaign, Illinois, although you can also fly into Chicago. If you are fortunate enough to be near an AMTRAK station, you can also take the train! It stops in Chicago, Champaign, and Mattoon.

Once in town, there is no public transportation. However, we have been able to get an Uber from Champaign to Arcola. Since many of the events are scattered throughout the town and surrounding area, you will need to plan ahead to ensure you have a ride. Many of the people attending are happy to help!

Hotels:

There are a few options for hotels nearby. The Arcola Inn and the Quality Inn are the most in-town and walkable from the events in Arcola. The Best Western is close-by but across the highway.

• Best Western
  • 917 Green Mill Road, Arcola, IL
• Quality Inn
  • 610 East Springfield, Arcola, IL
• Arcola Inn
  • 236 S Jacques St, Arcola, IL
• Holiday Inn Express
  • 1201 Tuscola Boulevard, Tuscola, IL (~15 min drive from Arcola)
• Super 8
  • 1007 East Southline Drive, Tuscola, IL (~15 min drive from Arcola)
• Baymont by Wyndham
  • 1006 Southline Road, Tuscola IL (~15 min drive from Arcola)

Food:

Arcola has a handful of small restaurants, as well as a McDonald's and a Dairy Queen. If you're staying at the Arcola Inn or the Quality Inn, they will be within walking distance. If you're staying at the Best Western, they will still be close, but you'll have to cross the highway. There are also several small grocery stores in town.

• Monical's Pizza
  • 528 E. Springfield Rd. Arcola, IL
• Broomtown Cafe
  • 130 E Main St, Arcola, IL
• TJ's It'll Do Bar & Grill
  • 620 Shrock Dr, Arcola, IL

How do I get my ticket for the banquet?

Reservations for the banquet must be sent in advance via a check and a printed (or handwritten) form. You can also message Kathy Ellis directly on Facebook (preferred) or use her email, rags_r_us@yahoo.com, or ask via the Facebook and Discord groups mentioned above.

2026 banquet registration must be sent so that it arrives by May 31st. Please send in your reservations as early as possible, as the rally organizers need to reach a minimum attendance to afford the reservation. Tickets may be purchased at the door with cash, with an additional $5 fee, but please reserve beforehand if possible, or there may be no event for you to attend.

What are "happies"?

"Happies" are small trinkets given out during the banquet dinner. They can be small toys, keychains, cards, stickers, or other little party favors. They are almost always Raggedy Ann themed and are often also themed around that year's character.

The tradition was started years ago in the earlier days of the Raggedy Ann Festival, when members of the community traveling from Japan would bring little gifts and say that they're “happy to see you!” More people began bringing little gifts and trinkets, and it evolved into part of the festivities. The rally organizers stress that new people are not expected to bring happies. Even people who are regulars do not bring happies every year. If you are planning on bringing something, you will need about 100 to have enough for each person at the banquet, so please do not spend too much time or money on them!

Do people come in cosplay?

There will be a costume parade and other costume events this year!

You won't be alone in cosplay at the market; there will always be a couple of Raggedy Ann fans in costume. Many regular rallygoers miss the days when more people dressed up and are always excited when people do! Some years, the Raggedy Ann Revival Effort organizes a specific cosplay get-together for people to hang out and take photos. Check the schedule above to see.

How do I become a vendor?

To become a vendor at the Saturday Market, you simply need to submit a vendor form and pay the $20 booth fee. Along with the booth owner, you may also list the names of other individuals who will be assisting you with setup. The market is free for all attendees, but this ensures that your helpers can gain entry before the doors open! Vendor setup takes place on Friday and Saturday morning prior to opening to the public, and teardown occurs on Saturday after closing. Vendors are provided with an 8-foot by 8-foot space, a table, and chairs.

Vendor application must be sent in advance via a check and printed (or handwritten) form. The 2026 vendor application deadline is yet to be announced, but will be the end of May. Mail must be sent to arrive by this date. If you have questions, email the Rally organizers at rags_r_us@yahoo.com or text or call: 217-251-7947.

Vendor Set-up times:

• Thursday before noon on request
• Friday: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Saturday: 8:00 am to 8:30 am

Vendor Take-down times:

• Please do NOT start packing your things away until the market is closed
• Saturday: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

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