It's almost that time of year again.
Preparations are well in the works for Melville's annual Chamber of Commerce Railway Days scheduled for July 27 and 28.
The events kick-off on the 27th with free outdoor movie "The Lorax" starting at 9 p.m. on the MCS grounds with fireworks to follow.
A pancake breakfast sponsored by the Horizon Credit Union, Prairie Co-op and The Co-operators will get the events going Saturday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and this year's theme is the Titanic. The Titanic will also be the theme of this year's fashion show which will take place on the main stage.
The stage will have no shortage of entertainment which includes the fashion show, Filipino dancers, a kung fu demonstration and musical acts the J Walkers, Minute To Win It and Hugo Mitrenga on violin.
"We are going to incorporate some new fun things this year," says Railway Days committee member Jackie Wilson.
"We will have something for everyone."
This year's event has plenty of new attractions and events including a strong-man challenge in which teams of four will compete in challenges including endurance, tug-of –war and a pie-eating contest. Teams will be required to pre-register at the main stage that afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and the contest will begin at 3 p.m. Winners of the event will receive a cash prize.
"The strong-man challenge will show the strength of Melville and challenges residents to claim the bragging rights for the strongest in Melville," says Wilson.
Other new attractions this year will include a petting zoo featuring a six-horse riding carousel for children wishing to ride a pony and a rambling reptile road show. There will also be a children's inflatable fun center, a scavenger hunt, chalk art contest for kids in front of City Hall as well as a variety of ethnic food from the Philippines, Ukraine, Germany and Korea.
"This year we plan on setting up picnic tables by the stage for people to sit," says Wilson.
"That was a problem last year."
Events scheduled throughout the day also include the side walk sale where downtown businesses will have merchandise for sale, the classic car show and tractor display to name a few.
For those looking to escape the sun for a few hours, the Melville Legion will be putting on a cash bingo in their air-conditioned hall. Doors open at noon and quickies will start at 1:15 p.m. and the regular program begins at 1:30 p.m.
A roast beef supper will also be held downtown from 5-7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased for $12 at The Melville Advance, Cornerstone Retail & Treasures, Napady Meats and Nellie's Bakery.
The day will conclude with a street dance from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. with Bucket List performing.
"We have a lot of new people in our community and we want to show them what Melville is all about so we encourage them to come out and see everything we have to offer," says Wilson. In case of inclement weather, some events will be held in the Merv Moore Sportsplex.
