Obama at Abe's birthday party?

There's a grapevine in the Lincoln community. Word has been circulating for some time now that President-elect Barack Obama might attend the Abraham Lincoln Association's annual birthday banquet, which this year will serve as his 200th birthday party. I'd heard the information earlier - after I'd purchased my own ticket, but before the announcement was ready to go public. My word is as important to me as Lincoln's was to him, so I did not violate the confidence of those in the know by sharing this information until it was public knowledge.

This morning's State Journal-Register includes an article that confirms Obama has been invited and speculates on the possibility he might attend - or not. Tickets are sold out for the banquet, but overflow seating for a dessert reception was still available when the newspaper went to press earlier today. To read more, visit the articles:

• Obama may or may not attend Lincoln banquet
• Want to go to the annual Lincoln birthday banquet?

For overflow seating, if available, visit the Abraham Lincoln Association's website to download and mail the Overflow Reservation Form with your payment.

In case you're wondering - no, my seat is not for sale! Before Obama was ever elected, I planned to go to this to celebrate Lincoln. That wish has not changed. This was my gift to me and I'm not giving it up!

* Updated Feb. 2, 2009 - We learned today President Obama will be coming. What a special gift for President Lincoln's big day! And, no, my seat is still not for sale! This - celebrating Lincoln's big day - is a longtime dream for me. I hope to savor every minute of it.