August
18, 2004
To: Media - for immediate publication
Contact: Shirley Leschinsky, Event Coordinator
(530) 277-5446 or shirley@events4u2.com
Subject: 22nd Annual Railroad Days Festival
Portola, California
August 27 - 29, 2004
Make your plans to attend the 22nd Annual Railroad Days Festival in
Portola, California on August 27 through 29.
Friday night the American Traveling Shows Carnival with game booths and rides starts at 5 p.m. At 7:00, Half Grass, a sort of bluegrass band fills the City Park Stage.
Saturday morning is the Golden Spike Parade beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Portola Frosty. The 2004 theme is “Tracks to the Future” and honors Ray Donnenwirth as the Grand Marshall. A Show-n-Shine car show will follow in the parking lot of the Baptist Church. A hot air balloon lifts off prior to the parade at about 7 a.m. giving rides.
The Portola Railroad Museum opens at 9:00 a.m. daily with train rides, model train displays, train art, and more. Train robbers are more than likely to board the train, so be sure to hide your valuables. Gordy, the Banjo-ologist strolls the Railroad Museum area Saturday afternoon telling humorous bits of train history.
A free entertainment stage in the Portola City Park runs continuously from 12:30 on Saturday to 7:30 p.m. Featuring such artists as Gordy Ohlinger, the Banjo-ologist, Bill the Magician with Ricochet Rabbit, Margaret Miles playing the autoharp, Out of Order, a Barbershop Quartet, and Andrew Ohren, solo guitar. From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. CJ Urbani plays danceable sounds of the 50’s and 60’s. Guaranteed to make you twist and shout.
The Carnival continues. Children’s Activities in the City Park begin on Friday afternoon, and runs Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Saturday features Smokey the Bear. Activities include breaking piñatas, puppet shows, face painting, games, and a pie-eating contest.
The Kid’s Fishing Derby is at City Park Pond at 7 a.m. on Sunday. There will be lots of prizes and BIG fish to catch including some up to 10 pounds. Fishing age is from one to fifteen.
An Ecumenical Church Service will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 on Sunday morning. Followed by runners and walkers participating in the 5-10K Willie Tate Memorial River Run Sunday morning at 9:00. Starting in the City Park, participants will go north over the bridge and east on Portola’s River Walk. Children’s Races begin at 10:00.
Sunday’s entertainment includes Code Bluegrass. String Theory, Plumas County’s own Acid Jazz group, plays tribute to entertainment favorites during the afternoon.
Portola Preschool sponsors the Lucky Duck Race on the Feather River just east of the Gulling Street Bridge. Race heats begin at 1:30 Sunday. Ducks beat the rapids and make the curves to become heat winners. Heat winners then challenge in the big race to become the Champion Duck. Adopt your duck today for just $5.00. Best race viewing is from the bridge. This year’s total prize money to be given away is $600.
Railroad Days famous 22nd Annual Button Raffle begins at 4:00. Participants must have donated towards a collector Festival button for the chance to win tons of prizes. Button holders must be present to win.
Vendors line Gulling Street between First and Third Streets. They will be selling arts and crafts, water fountains, toys, jewelry, yard statues, baskets, and lots more. Food and beverage vendors will be at City Park and the Portola Railroad Museum. Plumas Transit and a horse-drawn wagon from the Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch will provide transportation to connect the Festival venues.
Join the fun and be a part of Portola’s Feather River 22nd Annual Railroad Days Festival history. This event is brought to you by the City of Portola with the participation of volunteers, local businesses, and sponsors. All activities benefit non-profit organizations.
For more information contact: Leslie Tigan, Portola City Clerk, (530) 832-4216 or Event Coordinator, Shirley Leschinsky, (530) 277-5446, shirley@events4u2.com.
