Full steam ahead! The 14th annual Monticellobration festivities are quickly approaching! The event is growing in offerings this year as Main Street collaborates with the Railroad Museum during their Railroad Days celebration on September 19th and 20th. From Nelson Crossing, to Wabash Station and around the Courthouse Square, fun, food, and family activities can be enjoyed throughout the weekend.

On Saturday the 19th you’ll find us celebrating the “Golden Age” of the railroad. We’re looking at life during the late 1890’s through 1930’s. So be on the lookout for hobos, newsboys, flappers and maybe even a gangster! Our downtown restaurants will be converted into 1920”s Speak Easy, complete with ladies and gents ready to serve you. Out on the street, the lively music of the Jim Markum Band as well as the Donna Weghorst and Friends Band during the day, along with swing dancing. Test your abilities on the rail road hand cart. Learn who won the contest for our first ever Little Miss and Mr Engineer! Of course you don’t want to miss Dr. Cochran’s scheduled return visit to peddle his famous elixir. Try out the Pump Rail Car Ride right on the street. Don’t miss our perennial favorites; “Paint The Town” squares by the Monticello Area Arts Council, and the Kid’s Corner. . From the Wabash Station leading to the downtown you’ll want to check out The Sundowners Car Show and an exhibit of Monticello’s school Box Car trains. On the Courthouse lawn, a structure straight out of Hooverville, will be presented by local 6th graders.

On Saturday if you stay around to the evening hours you will enjoy the music of Bad Medicine and Feudin Hillbillies! Make sure you make take a trip out to the Rail Museum at Nelson’s Crossing and partake in the parade of the greatest engines ever made, ride the rails and enjoy a grand variety of other events on both days. Downtown Sunday out on the Courthouse Square the local praise band from Crossroads Church will be there from 1 – 4pm. Join an Ice Cream Social out on the street at the same time, sponsored by Kirby Medical Hospital!