It’s become a long-running tradition in the district and it’s back again this week.
Rainy River is holding its annual Railroad Daze in town this week, and co-organizer Marty Kreger can’t stress enough how much is on offer.
“There is so much stuff going on this year,” Kreger said.
“It has everything going on from a softball tournament over the weekend, we have a movie in the park Thursday and Friday night. It’ll be everything from scavenger hunts to the parade on Saturday morning.”
In its “something for everyone” approach, Kreger pointed to the two movie nights in Hannam Park.
“We have a teen movie night and then we have a kids’ movie night,” Kreger explained, with “Pet Sematary” on offer to scare teens on Thursday, while kids and families will be able to enjoy a showing of “Dumbo” on Friday.
Kreger also noted that the Legion would be hosting a special event for those who might not be interested in a family movie.
“They’re calling it ‘Rainy River Downs,’ instead of Assiniboia Downs,” he said.
“They’re doing video horse racing this year. I don’t understand it but it sounds really interesting. The way the license works, it sounds really neat so I’m going to have to be checking that out.”
Kreger also explained that the proceeds from the video horse racing at the Legion will be going towards supporting the Rainy River Public Library, and proceeds from the dance being held on Saturday night are going towards the Rec Centre.
“Everything here that goes on for the community is raising money for something, which is the big part,” he said.
Railroad Daze also has plenty of day-time activities on offer over the weekend, like the aforementioned parade on Saturday morning.
“We actually have the militia from Kenora coming down this year too,” Kreger said.
“They’re going to be part of the parade and they’re going to put on kind of an interactive . . . you climb into any of the military vehicles, so it’s going to be a neat display for sure, they’re going to set up afterwards in front of the Legion.”
Kreger also said he was excited to have the car show return, something he mentioned was a big hit last year.
“Actually, last year was our first year we’d ever done it,” he explained.
“We had an amazing turnout. We have a group out of Fort and then we actually pull some from the States too. Because we’re right on the Minnesota border, we see a few come from Baudette and Warroad, and there’s some locals here that have some really nice vehicles too.”
The weekend will also feature Sunset Water Sports, inflatables like a bouncy castle and a fish fry.
“Don’t forget about the duck races,” Kreger, the reigning duck race champion, warned.
“It’s the figure skating club that puts it on, you buy a duck, get your number, and the first one to cross the finish line down at the end of the river by the bridge wins, a 50-50 almost.”
Kreger said that Railroad Daze is a great event because it allows everyone to take part.
“I think it just brings the community together,” he explained.
“We have a great community, great people, and some great businesses and it’s just nice to see everybody kind of pull together to put on this event.”
He also praised the volunteers who put their time into making Railroad daze run.
“It’s got great volunteers,” he said.
“You can’t make anything fly without volunteers nowadays.”
Kreger invited everyone to come out for the festivities this weekend, which kick off with the teen movie night at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, adding that he’s looking forward to all the events.
“I partake in every part of it. I love the socializing,” he said.
Anyone looking for more information can visit the Railroad Daze page on Facebook or visit www.railroaddaze.com for the full schedule of events.
