Staples Railroad Days promises a blend of old and new activities for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27 and 28.

Although committees have been meeting and organizing for some time, the various groups planning events for Railroad Days met April 29 to make sure everything will work well together.

This coordination is more important than ever this year as 2nd Ave. (old Hwy. 10) will be under construction most of the summer as it is prepared to be turned back into a city street.

Organizers plan to designate parking areas for the public and will offer a shuttle service from parking areas to activities. Details have not yet been finalized but will be publicized when they are.

Representatives from each of organizations planning activites for the weekend reported on their events and their needs.

All School Reunion

Mike Blessing, chair of the All School Reunion, said alumni can register from 8 a.m.- noon Saturday at the Staples Motley High School cafeteria.

Other rooms near the cafeteria in the high school have been reserved for classes that wish to meet on their own. Overflow space will be available at the Staples Community Center.

Photographers will be available for any groups or classes that wish to have photos taken.

In the afternoon Blessing said the committee was organizing bus tours of the medical facilities and senior housing options.

For more information or to volunteer to help call Blessing at 218-894-2337.

Car show

The Still Cruisin’ Car Club is expecting close to 700 cars for their 15th annual car show Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Staples Elementary School.

Vehicles entering the show will be directed off Hwy. 10 onto 2nd St. NE to head north and enter the school grounds where they will be directed on where to park.

Participants will be eligible for many door prizes including two engines. A used car corral and a swap meet of auto related items will be available.

The car club also has arranged for vendors and concessions on the grounds.

A mini-car show will be held at Nyhus Chevrolet Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and on Friday evening Twisted Sisters will have a party.

For more information see www.stillcruisingcarclub. com or call Russ Jenkins at 218-894-3450.

Railroad Days Dash

Last year was the first Railroad Days Dash, a 5K run/walk, and organizers are planning to do it again this year.

The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Staples Alliance Church. Registration will close at 8 a.m. The route will run north and south mostly on 8th and 5th Streets in Staples, with Prairie Avenue, Warner Road and 3rd Avenue being the main east-west connections.

This year the course will be certified to be exactly 3.1 miles.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Kinship of Todd and Wadena Counties.

Anyone interested in being a participant or a volunteer, in putting together a team or being an event sponsor can contact Nick Schultz at schultzn5@ yahoo.com or call 218-894- 1201. See www.railroaddaysdash. com for more information and for registration forms

Chili Cook-off

and Craft Show

One of the main changes this year is the location of the Chili Cookoff. The teams and all other activities associated with the cook-off will be located on school grounds off 3rd St. NE south of the tennis courts and north of the baseball field.

Two blocks of 3rd St. from Summit Ave. to the school will be closed for the event.

Tents will be set up for the teams. They’ll be able to start cooking at 8 a.m. Saturday. It may be possible for teams to bring in their equipment the night before the cook-off. Chili will be available to the public from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Craft vendors will be set up on the grass on the north and east sides of Twin City Optical’s parking lot.

A beer garden will be available on the west side of the fire hall sponsored by Captain Ron’s Sports Bar and Grill.

The Staples Fire Department will grill brats and hot dogs.

A bean bag competition will be held across 3rd St. west of the fire hall and children’s games will also be set up in the area.

For more information or to volunteer call the Staples Motley Area Chamber of Commerce office at 218-894-3974 or email info@ staples-motleyarea.com. Leave a message and someone will get back to you.

Parade

The Railroad Days parade is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. It is expected to start near 3M in the 1000 block of 5th St. NE and proceed south to 3rd Ave. where it will turn west for one block. The route will then run north on 4th St. NE to Staples Elementary School where it will disperse. The announcer’s stand will likely be in front of the Staples Community Center on 4th St. NE.

Call the chamber office for a registration form.

Street dance

Twisted Sisters will have a street dance Saturday night in their parking lot on 3rd St. between Hwy. 10 and 2nd Ave. NE.

Mini Golf Tourney

The Staples Business Group is sponsoring a mini-golf tournament again this year similar to last year. This will be Thursday and Friday, Aug. 25 and 26, during business hours.

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to hold sidewalk sales during that time.

Call Anita Wilson at 218- 894-4383 to participate.

Other activities

If there is enough interest city-wide garage sales could be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Call the chamber office for information.

Trinity Lutheran Church is expected to have their pancake breakfast Saturday from 7:30-10 a.m.

Staples Alliance Church is planning their free corn feed for after the parade.

Sacred Heart School is having their garage sale over the weekend.

Details for a concert and dance Friday evening near the former Lincoln Model School are still being developed.

Fireworks are being planned for Friday night at the Staples Airport.