De Soto celebrates its long heritage with railroads – the Union Pacific tracks run parallel to Main Street and the company operates a car shop there, so its past, present and future are tied to the rails – with its second annual Train Days Saturday (Aug. 10).
The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on – of course, Main Street.
It is sponsored by the civic group Mainly De Soto.
The schedule of events:
gins at 9am
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: DJ music on the Main Stage and photo booth.
Noon: Hometown Idol contest on the Main Stage.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Children’s games, inflatables, pony rides. Some activities are free; others charge a fee.
10 a.m.: Chess tournament at the De Soto Public Library.
10 a.m.: Cornhole tournament at the Arlington Event Center, which will serve food and beer.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Free petting zoo.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Mississippi Valley scale train displays at the De Soto Historical Society and Maxine Jinkerson will play hammered dulcimer in the Gathering Room.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mule Valley and Doxie train displays.
5-9 p.m.: The Hound band plays.
Main Street businesses will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and about 75 vendors, some selling crafts or food, will be open throughout the festival, although some may close at 5 p.m.
11 a.m. to 9 p.m.: LaChance Vineyards will have a wine garden.
Coolers will not be allowed on Main Street, and organizers have arranged for portable bathrooms with handicapped access throughout the area, so attendees should not plan to use restrooms in businesses.