| Raggedy Ann Rally |
A Raggedy Ann fan meetup!
We've seen a lot more interest from the Raggedy Ann fandom in joining us at the Rally this year, so I decided to put all the info you need into one place!
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 & sell Raggedy merch and meet up with friends! These days, it is a slightly smaller production; but with the new energy that the fandom has seen recently, we have the perfect opportunity to bring more people to it.
At the moment, the only official way to connect with the Rally organizers is through their Facebook groups. They have two, the Raggedy Ann Rally group for official announcements, and the Raggedy Ann Rally Social Club for general discussion.
But if you don't use Facebook and are still interested in discussing plans for the Rally, you can join the Raggedy Ann Rally Discord Server, run by us here at RARE.
FAQ:
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Where is it?
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When is it?
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What sort of events are there?
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What are the accommodations?
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How do I get my ticket for the banquet?
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What are "happies"?
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Do people come in cosplay?
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How do I become a vendor?
The character theme for the 2024 Rally is Uncle Clem!
Each year, people get a chance to vote on which Gruelle character will get to be next year's theme. This character appears on flyers, t-shirts, happies, and just generally anything involving the rally for that specific year.
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 2024, it will be held June 6th, 7th, and 8th.
What sort of events are there?
2025 schedule has not been released, these are approximate estimates based on what we know
Thursday, June 6th:
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Early Bird Get-together: a meetup for people who arrive early!- Time: 5:30 pm
- Location: Covered Pavillion near 135 N Oak, Arcola, IL
Friday, June 7th:
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Nickel Auction:- Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
- Location: Covered Pavillion near 135 N Oak, Arcola, IL
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Banquet Dinner & Silent Auction: the first main event; hear the opening announcements, chat with friends, and give out "happies" (little handmade trinkets based on this year's theme)! This is the only event to require an entry ticket; the $28 meal ticket includes the buffet dinner.- Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm (doors open at 5:30)
- Location: Yoder’s Kitchen, 1195 E. Columbia St, Arthur, IL
Saturday, June 8th:
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Vendor Hall: a market of Raggedy Ann goods and art, vintage and homemade- Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Location: Arcola Center
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Bingo:- Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (or until everything is gone)
- Location: Arcola Center
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RARE Cosplay Meetup: a meetup for revival effort members and fans of the musical. Come in cosplay if you have it, we'll be goofing around and taking photos, and getting pictures on the Raggedy Ann bench together!- Time: 5:00 pm (subject to slight change)
- Location: Johnny Gruelle Memorial
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Rag Dolly 1984 ESIPA footage screening:- Time: after the cosplay meetup
- Location: One of our hotel rooms, to be given out at the cosplay meetup
Sunday, June 9th:
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RARE Cracker Barrel Brunch: another meetup! Plan on ordering your own food.- Time: 9:00 am (subject to slight change)
- Location: Cracker Barrel in Mattoon, Il
What are the accommodations?
Transportation:
The nearest airport is in Champaign, Illinois, though you can also fly into Chicago. If you're lucky 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. We've been able to get an Uber from Champaign to Arcola, though. Since many of the events are scattered throughout the town and surrounding area, you will have to plan ahead to make sure you have a ride. Many of the people who are going 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.
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Best Western|
Quality Inn|
Arcola Inn|
Holiday Inn Express|
Super 8|
Baymont by WyndhamFood:
Arcola has a handful of small resturants, as well as a McDonalds and a Dairy Queen. If you're staying in the Arcola Inn or Quality Inn they will be within walking distance, if you're staying at 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 in advance via a check and printed (or handwritten) form. More information will be avaliable when we get closer to the 2025 rally. You can also message Kathy Ellis directly on Facebook (preffered) or use her email, rags_r_us@yahoo.com (may take longer, or get lost), or contact Kathy or us via the Facebook and Discord groups above.
What are "happies"?
"Happies" are little trinkets given out during the banquet dinner. They can be little toys, keychains, cards, stickers, like little party favors! They're almost always Raggedy Ann themed, and often also themed around the 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 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!
On Friday there will be a designated Raggedy Ann Revival Effort hangout and cosplay meetup. You don't have to show up in costume, but you're invited to! This started as a way for those with possibly complicated and uncomfortable costumes to take pictures and be silly while leaving Saturday free to hang out at the market.
But you also won't be alone in cosplay at the market either, there will always be a couple RARE members in costume. Many regular rallygoers miss the days when more people dressed up, and are always excited when people do!
How do I become a vendor?
Vendor applications for 2025 have not yet opened
The vendor fee is $20, and you fill out a simple form. You're also allowed to add helpers to the form, but the vendor hall doesn't require paid tickets for attendees in the first place. Vendor set up takes place Friday and Saturday morning before it opens to the public, and take down is Saturday after closing. Vendors are provided with an 8ft square space and a table, and arrangements can be made if you need more.
To get a vendor form, either message Kathy Ellis directly on Facebook (preffered) or use her email, rags_r_us@yahoo.com (may take longer, or get lost).
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Vendor Set-up times:- Thursday evening on request
- Friday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am to 9:00 am
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Vendor Take-down times:- Saturday: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
See you soon!
