GRANITE FALLS — The train that’s set to rumble through the middle of town this weekend is a bit different from the locomotives that helped put Granite Falls on the map more than 120 years ago.
The walls are made of cardboard and butcher paper, for starters. Rather than being powered by a steam engine, the train’s passenger car is built to be hauled on a flatbed trailer. The structure’s metal frame was welded together by a 17-year-old in the parking lot of Granite Falls High School and the passengers planning to catch the train Saturday morning are his classmates, the graduating class of 2016.
For the 50th anniversary of their hometown’s biggest festival, the 143-person strong senior class decided to let history inspire the float they’re building for the Railroad Days Grand Parade.
Local clubs, businesses and other groups take part in the parade each year, including classes at Granite Falls and Crossroads high schools. Usually students pick themes centered on movies, shows or trends, said senior class president Jeremy Miller, 18. This year, his class wanted to do something different and pay homage to their roots, he said.
“I think it’s a very clever theme,” said Italee Hadlock, 17, as she traced letters and decorations Monday afternoon. “It’s about looking back in history. And as we get ready to graduate, we’re also looking back on our time here.”
Starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, the Grand Parade is the centerpiece of this weekend’s celebration. The first half hour is the children’s parade, followed by the main procession at noon. A street fair, pancake breakfast, alumni association fundraiser and carnival rides also are scheduled throughout the day. Most events take place Saturday except the carnival rides, which start at 7 p.m. Friday.
Local businesses also have sales and entertainment planned during the festival, said Suzi Quillen, marketing coordinator for the Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s all right here in downtown Granite Falls, only a few blocks’ walk in any direction,” she said. “Just be prepared for any type of weather.”
A group of students and their teacher reportedly sparked the idea for Railroad Days five decades ago while they were studying local history. A lot has changed since the festival started, but students still are trying to leave their mark on the community.
“I just want to be part of something before I leave,” Hadlock said. “I want to make some memories.”
Brady Tetrick, 17, welded the train’s frame for the float, a skill he learned from his dad. He’s helped on other class projects but put extra effort into this one, he said. He thinks the teamwork on the float is a good reflection of Railroad Days.
“It’s just great to have the whole town come together for something like this,” he said.
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com
If you go
The Railroad Days Children’s Parade starts at 11:30 a.m. Saturday downtown and the Grand Parade starts at noon. For more information and a schedule of events, visit granitefallswa.com/railroad-and-reunion-days or find “Granite Falls Railroad Days” on Facebook.
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