The city of Truesdale will host Railroad Days Summerfest at Bruer Park and the MaryLou Center on Saturday, May 31. 

The community festival includes a variety of vendors and entertainment options and plenty of family fun, the majority of which is free to attendees. 

“We consider it the beginning of summer party,” said Treasurer Missy Bachamp. 

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with live music beginning at noon. 

Vendors will be set up throughout the park and the MaryLou Center selling various wares and food and drink options. 

There are also plenty of options for the kids as the festival will have a barrel train, balloon twisting, rock climbing, a bungee trampoline, a caricature artist, face painting and a photo booth, all free of charge. 

Elise Morris was excited to bring the bungee trampolines and the photo booth to the event for the first time. She said the photo booth was an addition to give older kids some fun options at the event as well. 

Bachamp was excited to bring the barrel train back for the kids as well. 

She was proud that a large part of the event’s expenses are covered by donations from businesses and individuals in Truesdale and Warrenton to help put on an exciting family event for the community. 

“That is what makes it so nice is the community gives and we can do this,” said Bachamp. 

There will also be a basketball knockout competition at 10:30 a.m. and a limbo competition at 5:30 p.m.

The Voyage Band, featuring Truesdale Alderman Mike Thomas on the saxophone, will start on the main stage at noon with bands Shotgun Creek and Silver Bullet to follow at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Hosting three bands will be a change this year as in the past the city has had a smaller cover band on the main stage before larger acts but this time there will be a larger band for all three showtimes. 

“We’re kind of excited about that,” said Bachamp about Thomas’ band performing. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation will also have a booth there for kids. 

There is lots of work that goes on behind the scenes from city staff to put the event on and the Railroad Days Committee has been meeting regularly for months to make it another success. 

“I think the most impressive thing is our little city, just a few of us, and a few event committee members put on this huge show,” said Elise Morris. 

Bachamp also credited Alderman Kari Hartley for stepping up and helping the city to find vendors for the event. 

Bachamp said the city is still looking for sponsors and volunteers for the event and interested parties can reach the city at 636-456-3166.