By Linda Cicoira — Elizabeth Staunton Chadbourne, a woman some recognize as the founder of Parksley, described her town in the 1800s as paradise — a place that made her smile.
The Second Annual Golden Spike Railway Festival aims to generate ear-to-ear grins for all who partake in the event starting at 10 a.m., this Saturday, Oct. 5, at the town square.
“We celebrate Parksley returning to that soft, warm, breezy, restful, friendly place that our founder, Ms. Chadbourne, so eloquently spoke of,” said Councilwoman Julie Nash. “We want people to have that same feeling as they live, work, and play in Parksley. We are celebrating all that Parksley was and all that Parksley will be.”
Last year’s slogan “Parksley Rising Again,” will continue in keeping with the state’s love campaign and acceptance for all. “We hope to promote coming together,” said Nash. “Our Haitian community” will offer “our third band this year.”
The festival will be kicked off with the national anthem sung by Atlantic’s Adina Johnson. Food trucks will also open at 10 a.m., and include pulled pork sandwiches. A car show will be held all day. And there will be a water slide (so bring a towel and wear clothes that can get wet), bounce houses, train rides, slip and slide, and an obstacle course. Raffles will go through the afternoon.
At 10:30 a.m., the first band will start playing. A limbo contest and a zip line will be offered at 11 a.m. The famous strong man contest is set to start at noon. A hula hoop contest will be at 1 p.m.
There will be more than 50 vendors, including a sketch artist, jewelry, hand sewn items, doll clothes, fine chocolate, home and wood decor, chair massages, face painting, collectibles, Christmas items, soaps, T-shirts, an antique mini-mall, funnel cakes, smoked salsa, and birdhouses.
Free popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy will be available. And the Delmarva Discovery Museum will bring a turtle and a snake. There will also be a surprise visit by Rapunzel.
Truly something for everyone all day long.
