Train Day Set For Downtown Hope

HOPE – The fifth annual “Train Day” festival will be held May 6th in downtown Hope.

The festival pays homage to Hope’s founding in the 1870s as a stop on the Cairo-Fulton Railroad. The railroad’s main line still passes through downtown Hope under the auspices of Union Pacific. Hope is also a stop for AMTRAK passenger service.

Events get underway at 7:00am with a 5K and the opening of the Hope’s Farmers Market.

The rib-cooking teams will set up beginning at 7:00am. This year’s rib cook-off has over $2,500 in total prizes with a $1,250 grand prize for the first-place finisher. Those attending will be able to purchase rib plates for a nominal fee. Applications for the rib cook-off are available at Tailgaters at Main & Division in downtown Hope.

Trade Day will be held during this year’s Train Day event. Trade Day is sponsored by the Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce and the Hope Downtown Network. The Trade Day booths will be open from 8:00am to 2:00pm at Elm & Division in downtown Hope. Applications are now available at the Chamber office at 202 South Main Street and at Bob’s Antiques at 113 South Elm Street in downtown. You can also visit Hope/Hempstead County Trade Days on Facebook.

Entertainment begins at 9:40am with a demonstration of 19th century dances by the Washington Vintage Dancers. At 10:00am the  Dantastic Dancers will begin a program of all their age groups. At 12:30pm, Dr. Damien Strodderd will have a dog demonstration on the small stage at the Depot. Hope’s “Spare Time” Band will also perform at Train Day featuring their blend of county and Rock-A-Billy favorites.

A Baggo Tournament is set for 1:00pm in the middle of Main Street. Sponsored by the City of Hope Parks, Recreation and Tourism Division, the tournament will feature cash prizes. There are two divisions, one for ages 8-15 and adult for those 16 and up. Entry fee is $5 for the youth division and $10 for each two-person adult team. You can register at the Fair Park Office or at Tailgaters no later than May 5th. For more information, call Summer Powell at 870-777-7500.

Two service buses will be at Train Day. The State Veterans Service bus will be on hand for veterans to visit for information and help. Too, the Life Share Blood bus will be on hand for you to donate blood. Both buses will open at 9:30am.

There will be a “Kids Corner”, with activities such as “Bubble College”, vinyl color murals, the graffiti train, bike rides and kids train rides.

The “Works In Wood” art display at the Art Depot will also be open.

Activities wrap up at 4:45pm with the winners of the rib cook-off and the Baggo Tournament being announced.

Super One Foods will be cooking and distributing hot dogs for free throughout Train Day.

Don’t miss the 5th annual Train Day celebrating Hope’s railroad heritage! For more information contact Sharon Caldwell at 870-777-4444 or visit Hope Train Day on Facebook.