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. This year's character is Uncle Clem!

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

FAQ

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. The 2025 Rally starts on Thursday, June 5th, and ends on Saturday, June 7th.

What events are taking place this year?

2025 events have not been fully announced yet; this is still a best estimate based on the previous years' schedule. Check back for updates!

Thursday, June 5th

Early Bird Supper

  • Bring your own picnic
  • @ the covered Pavillion near 135 N Oak, Arcola, IL
  • Free to attend

Friday, June 6th

10:00 am - 1:00 pm: RARE Cosplay Meetup

  • @ the Johnny Gruelle memorial bench in Arcola, IL
  • Wear your Raggedy Ann and Rag Dolly costumes to take fun photos and hang out with the group!
  • Free to attend

1:00 - 4:00 pm: Nickel Auction

  • @ the covered Pavillion near 135 N Oak, Arcola, IL
  • Free to attend

5:30 pm: Raggedy Ann Banquet & Silent Auction

  • Hear the opening announcements, chat with friends, and give out "happies" (little handmade trinkets based on this year's theme)!
  • @ Yoder’s Kitchen, 1195 E Columbia St, Arthur, IL 61911
  • Arrive no earlier than 5:30pm to view & bid on auction items, dinner will be served at 6:00pm
  • Please send in your reservations before May 31st! Children 3 to 10 are $25, adults $30

Saturday, June 7th

9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Raggedy Market

  • A market of Raggedy Ann goods and art, vintage and homemade!
  • Free to attend
  • @ the Arcola Center

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Bingo

  • Win Raggedy Ann prizes!
  • Free to attend
  • @ the Arcola Center

Sunday, June 8th

10:00 am: RARE Cracker Barrel Brunch

  • @ 1101 Charleston Ave. E. Mattoon, IL 61938

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 most of the events in Arcola. The Best Western is close by but across the highway.

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.

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.

RAGGEDY ANN RALLY BANQUET & SILENT AUCTION Registration Form
Make Check out to John Ellis
SEND this form (or handwritten copy) and check to:
Darlene Ridenour
16833 Township Rd 119
Newcomerstown, OH 43832

Your Name: _________________
Address: _________________
Please provide a text number and/or email so Darlene can confirm your reservation.
Phone (text) _________________ and / or Email: _________________
_____ Children Under 3 No Charge
_____ Children 3 to 10 @ $25 each = $______
_____ Adults (11 & older) @ $30 each = $______
$______ Amount of Check
_______ Check Number
PLEASE List out Name of EACH Adult or Child wishing to Bid on Silent Auction Items. Each bidder must be listed so a specific bidder name can be assigned to each bidder.

2025 banquet registration must be sent so that it arrives by Saturday, 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?

At one point, the festival had a whole costume parade! It doesn't anymore, but that doesn't mean we don't show up in cosplay!

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, and may bring their own.

Vendor application must be sent in advance via a check and printed (or handwritten) form. The 2025 vendor application deadline is May 20th for both the application and payment. 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.

Raggedy Ann Rally 2025 VENDOR APPLICATION FORM
Make Check out to John Ellis
SEND this form (or handwritten copy) and check to:
John & Kathy Ellis
317 N State,
Chrisman, IL 61924

# of tables desired: _________________
Vendor signature & date: _________________
Vendor: _________________
Vendor Assistant(s): _________________
Address: _________________
Phone: _________________
Email address: _________________
Date Received: _________________
Check #: _________________

Vendor Set-up times:

Vendor Take-down times:

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