ALBION — Festivals, especially ones that take place in small communities, have a way of bringing people together to celebrate memories, local history and honor veterans. This year’s Albion Rail-Trail Festival ties into the nation’s anniversary year with the theme of “A Salute to America 250: Albion Celebrates Red White and You!”

“I feel like it’s a good way for small towns and big towns too to reconnect and create new traditions, see familiar faces,” said Committee Chairperson Stacey Keeler.

The Albion Municipal Library will be open with a salute to veterans special Military Honor Wall.

“Our whole weekend really centers around our active service members and our military veterans and their families,” she noted. “We have over 100 photos of folks that will be on display. We kept it to Albion, but people also submitted information on those who used to live here or their children.”

Friday, June 5

Day one kicks off with a Car, Truck, Motorcycle, Tractor Show and Shine at Albion City Park, running from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The first 75 entries will get a commemorative dash plate. Grilled burgers by Hibbs Farm will start at 5 p.m. and go until sold out, at the park, with proceeds benefiting future festivals. Standing Ovation Entertainment will spin tunes during the show.

At 6:30 p.m., Little Mr. and Miss Albion will be crowned at the Show and Shine. Candidates needed to register from May 1 to May 31 to be eligible to enter, and be in grades kindergarten through fourth grade, as well as reside within the Albion fire district. The youngsters will then be invited to participate in the parade.

Saturday, June 6

Day two is jam-packed with most activities taking place near the Albion Municipal Library. At 9 a.m. there will be howitzer cannon shots fired at Raymon Veterans Memorial Park. The sixth annual Rail-Trail ride will start at Albion City Park at 8:50 a.m., ride to Raymon Veterans Park for the cannon firing, and then head out on the trail. Sign in required and maps provided for free. Participants will bike to Whitten and back (33 miles, paved road).

After that, folks are welcome to participate (for free) in the parade. Line up on the south end of town from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with the parade starting at 10 a.m. on Dubuque and Clinton Streets. The parade’s grand marshals will be veterans.

AB Events will host the Iowa River’s Edge Outdoor Market this year, going from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 35 vendors will sell wares including crystals, honey, utensils, sweet treats, books, laser creations, handmade goods and more.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. raffle tickets will be sold at the Pink Tent, drawing at 2:30 p.m. Prizes include goodie baskets filled with products from the outdoor market vendors.

Games and spin art for kids will go from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with trail rides (for all ages) and inflatables also starting at that time but ending at 3 p.m. Balloons by Zounds will run 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. All free of charge.

“We really try to gear this toward kids. We’re so thankful for our sponsors,” Keeler said.

The second annual backyard volleyball tournament in Albion City Park is not to be missed. Check in from 11:30 a.m. to noon with play time from noon to 5 p.m. Teams of up to six are welcome, double elimination, grass courts and prizes for first and second place. Registration must be completed by June 1. For sign up and more info reach out to: tkelley3688@gmail.com.

The corn hole/bags tournament will take place at Woody’s Roadside Tavern. Sign up at noon, start time is 1 p.m. For questions, contact Dave Gill at: 363-357-7110.

Live music on Jefferson Street by the popular band Grand Marshall will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“We moved that up from 8 p.m. last year,” she added.

Fireworks will be set off at dusk at the Albion Ball Park. In case of rain, will take place Sunday.

Food vendors on hand for the festival are all local and include Maria’s Tacos, Clare’s Tenderloins, Appleberry Farm and Smokin Hog Pit-Stop BBQ.

Sunday, June 7

Keeler said she hopes people come out to Albion First Presbyterian Church for a 10 a.m. service Sunday. It is the final church service it will hold, with a lunch to follow.

“We included it on our flyer so the community can come and say goodbye,” she added.

The festival is made possible through sponsors and fundraising. This includes the annual fall Lunch Lady Ham Roll Dinner meal.

Keeler said the planning committee is already hard at work on next year’s Rail-Trail. In 2027, the City of Albion will turn 175 years old. The public can expect an extra special Albion Rail-Trail Festival to celebrate.

For more information, visit: www.albionrailtrailfestival.org and reach out at: albionrail.trailfest@gmail.com.