By Vance Perkins
Here’s a shout out to those responsible through the years: The Louisiana Railroad Days Festival is the best festival around and it is all home grown here in DeQuincy. Put on by local women who labor long hours.
It began as The Country Fair on Saturday, May 9, 1964 when a few local moms held a fundraiser for Camp Fire Girls. The one day event netted $513.32. All proceeds have always been returned to local causes from then to now.
In 1984, the Country Fair was rebranded and renamed the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival to honor our railroading heritage. It has only gotten bigger and better.
It is one of only a few festivals that does not charge an entrance fee. Free entry and lowest ticket prices around whether pre-sale or not. The organizers negotiate lower prices with the amusement ride company. Compare with other festivals and you will be surprised.
It is amazing that the few involved pull off this monumental task year after year without pay. The DeQuincy Federated Service League and City of DeQuincy pull out all the stops to make this happen.
Every dollar made is returned right back into worthy causes here in DeQuincy such as scholarships and many more needs that go unnoticed. It takes many dollars to book the talent that is featured on Gospel Night and on Saturday Night’s big name concert.
From a greased pig contest in the beginning to several rides today. From a few homemade food items the first time to multi vendor food choices today, this festival gets bigger and better every year. Those responsible for this festival deserve a big round of applause instead of us complaining about petty issues that are always addressed and corrected when brought to their attention. These hard working women volunteer an untold number of hours to this monumental effort.
I, for one salute them. Absolutely amazing that a town of 3000 can pull off a festival attended by 10,000 plus.
Louisiana Railroad Days Festival in DeQuincy rocks!
