Attendance down at Ill. town's 'Elizabeths' record

June 28, 2009 (ELIZABETH, Ill.) Last year 436 Elizabeths met at the event held in Elizabeth, Ill. Organizers say this year about 350 attended.

Organizers blame Saturday's warm weather and thunderstorm warnings.

The most famous no-show was Queen Elizabeth II, who was invited. But organizers say she did send "a nice letter."

Participants had to show a copy of a birth certificate or drivers license.

The community started the event to honor famous Elizabeths, including the community's first settlers.

Organizers say those women defended the town from attack in the 1800s.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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