Arcola, IL -- She may be raggedy, but Raggedy Ann still has a loyal following.

In fact, the 15th Annual Raggedy Ann and Andy festival held this coming weekend in Arcola, Illinois, is expected to draw nearly 10,000 fans from around the world -- gas prices and weather permitting, says Susan Foster, Executive Director of the Arcola Chamber of Commerce.

Foster say folks from as far away as Japan will attend the annual festival in Arcola, the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle, the character's creator.

According to the family history, Gruelle made the doll Ann to entertain his daughter Marcella when she was ill. Raggedy Andy, Ann's brother, came along five years later.

This year's events will include a Raggedy Ann look-alike contest, parade and an appearance by Gruelle's granddaughter, Joni Gruelle-Wannamaker.

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