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Railroad festival offering prizes

The first Railroad Heritage Days celebration is nearly two months away, but organizers are busy raising funds for the event.

A quilt has been designed and quilted by Carol Black, Sara Prothe and Susan Crow. This quilt, which displays replicas of the train depots around Cowley County will be on display in various locations around the county. The first location will be the window of the Ark City Convention & Visitors Bureau at the Chamber of Commerce office Tickets are available for $1 or six for $5. Watch for the display and posters around town.

Donna Martin has created some note cards with photos of the local railroad depots on the front of them. These cards are blank inside and can be used for all occasions. They are available for sale; a set of five for $10.00. These cards will be available in several locations around the county.

The festival is scheduled for April 19-20 at Wilson Park. Several activities are planned for all members of the family to include a moonwalk, craft activities and games for the kids, a booth for collecting stories from railroaders; re-enactors, and lots of surprises.

Evan Stair is also planning to be present to share his commentary on the hoped for extension of passenger rail service between Newton and Oklahoma City, which would stop in Arkansas City.

A Railroaders Reunion is planned for the evening of April 19. A list of retired railroaders and their contact information is being collected at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, so if you know of someone who fits that description please advise his/her information to that office. You may call 620 442-0236 or e-mail cvb@arkcitychamber.org.