Photo by Sherry Hunt Bowen Ron Carley plays the role of Abraham Lincoln.

The Westfield Abe Lincoln Festival returns June 9 and 10. Meet Lincoln in person as Westfield hosts Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd at “A Weekend With the Lincolns.”

During the event, the former president will once again commemorate his meeting with Grace Bedell. There will be the annual McClurg Gala, a “Downtown Promenade”, a “Best Beard Contest”, a Dance and Music Show, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Civil War Singers, a Civil War Encampment, Children’s Activities, the Farmer’s Market and more.

Westfield will celebrate its rich history and connection to Lincoln once again during this annual event. Documented letters from Westfield’s 11-year-old Grace asking Abe to grow a beard prompted his inaugural stop at the Westfield Train Station in 1862, as he desired to meet his little Westfield correspondent!

Lincoln is brought to life by Ron Carley, a pre-eminent re-enactor and educator, who has been portraying Lincoln since 2012. He has been featured at many events, colleges, museums and even comic cons across the country. He was almost arrested in Washington, D.C., when he drew a large crowd while visiting the Lincoln Memorial after the park closed.

“Ron makes the persona of Abe Lincoln come to life, not only because he is tall and looks so much like him, but also because he recants Abe’s history, writings, political positions and beliefs with convincing accuracy. You can easily feel as though you are talking to the great man himself. It’s quite amazing,” says Marilyn Hemmer, chairwoman of the Lincoln event. “When asked Ron will tell you he enjoys bringing a smile to people’s faces and helping them to respect and learn about our country’s history. Ron’s wife Tina joins her husband in portraying Mary Todd Lincoln. We are thrilled to bring the Lincolns back to Westfield for this year’s celebration.”

Lincoln will enjoy shaking your hand, answering questions, and posing for photographs and selfies for Facebook or Instagram. He will be impossible to miss as he stands six foot four inches tall and wears his signature Stove Pipe Hat.

There will be a reenactment of Abe meeting Grace Bedell on the platform of the Westfield Train Station. This is the scene immortalized by the Bronze Statues at Bedell Park at Routes 394 and 20.

Lincoln merchandise will be on sale at Peaceful Designs Gift Shop on Main Street.

For information and Lincoln’s schedule visit www.WestfieldNY.com or call Hemmer at (716) 753-6043.