Railroad Rendezvous SpringFest building steam
Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, the family-fun festival features a round trip train excursion and the official Tennessee State Resonator Guitar Championship ? “DobrosTM at the Depot.”
Admission to Railroad Rendezvous SpringFest, which attracted an estimated 7,000 people last year, is free and open to the public.
The seventh annual event, presented by the Cookeville Area-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, offers crafts and antiques, food and beverages, children?s activities, musical performances and other events and activities.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Cookeville Depot and Historic Westside district will be bustling with family activities and musical contests. In addition to the Dobro contest, there are contests for best bluegrass band and individual instrumentalists. Contest registration begins at 9 a.m.
A special performance by John Bellar, the 2005 national and state resonator guitar champion, will be one of the highlights of Railroad Rendezvous SpringFest. Bellar, from Ashland City, is a judge for this year?s Dobro contest. Other special guests include Southern Blend band and Rhythm-N-Motion dance team.
The one-hour, round trip train excursion departs the Depot around noon for nearby Algood. Passengers can get on board the authentic historical Tennessee Central Railway Museum train by purchasing their tickets at the Chamber, One W. First St., in Cookeville, or by calling 931-526-2211. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12, and free to children under 2 who ride in adults’ laps. All dome seats are $30.
For more information, visit www.rrspringfest.com