By Kay Whatley, Editor
Selma Railroad Days is returning with two days of activities in Selma, North Carolina. Activities planned this year include:
- Artists Village — Held along Raiford Street, vendors offer arts, crafts, and more.
- Caboose Run — Designed for children ages 8 and under, this one-block fun run — starting at the corner of Webb and Waddell Streets — gives all participants a participation ribbon. This run takes place on Saturday, October 7, 2017, around 9am. Participation is free.
- Chew Chew Food Truck Rodeo — Food trucks will be parked on Webb Street near the Ice House Theatre on Friday, October 6, 2017, 5-9pm. See a list of rodeo vendors on this Facebook event page.
- Helicopter Rides — This year, Blue Line Aviation will be available for helicopter rides during the Railroad Days Festival, and the parade, on Saturday, October 7, 2017. Rides are $35-$50 and are expected to run 10am-2pm. Pre-registration is not required, but it is suggested. See details here.
- Live Entertainment — Three stages of performers!
- Model Train Display — The North Raleigh Model Trains will be on display Thursday, October 5, 2017, starting at 9am. Seeing the display is free, and open to the public at the Historic Union Depot, 500 E Railroad Street, in “Uptown” Selma.
- Pageant — Prior to Railroad Days, the Railroad Days Miss and the Court will be crowned. The five young ladies chosen serve as ambassadors and represent the Selma Railroad Days Festival and the Town of Selma at events throughout the year. Contestants must be 4-20 years of age and reside within a 20-mile radius of Johnston County. See details on this Town of Selma page. Note that the deadline to participate has already passed.
- Parade — Who doesn’t love a parade? The parade is the official kickoff of Railroad Days, and starts oon Saturday, October 7, 2017, around 10am. There is a $25 fee to participate in the parade; watching it is free.
- Railroad Run — This 5k Run is the “oldest continuous road race in Johnston County”. Awards are presented for overall participation and age group winners. Race takes place Saturday, October 7, 2017, around 8am. Fee is $20-$30 to register.
- Turnin’ Heads Customs Truck and Car Show — Hosted at Walker’s Auto Parts in Selma. This benefit show will feature trucks, SUVs and cars that are “hyped up, revved up and ready to show.” Contact Parks and Rec to register or see the Facebook event page.
See www.selma-nc.com/railroad-days-festival for a festival overview.
While the vendor deadline has passed for the 2017 festival, details for future reference may be found here, or contact Selma Parks and Rec at 919.975.1411 or email with questions about vendor space availability.
