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The oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois is putting on its best holiday duds for a free holiday event on Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. The first 100 families to visit will receive free Christmas ornaments.

The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site will be illuminated by more than 250 candles and trimmed with decorations appropriate to the 1840s, when a young Abraham Lincoln served there. The decorations include fresh greenery and fruits.

The historic site will be collecting food for the needy. Visitors can bring along a non-perishable or canned item that will be donated to the local food pantry.

The Friends of the Old State Capitol will provide cookies and cider.

The Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site served as the capitol from 1836 to 1839. It is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The site is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. IHPA protects the state’s historic resources, which contribute to education, culture and the economy. IHPA sites include ancient burial mounds, forts and buildings erected by settlers, and homes connected to famous Illinoisans.