RAILROAD DAY EVENTS SET

SCOTT CITY -- Scott City residents have a week to carve their pumpkins, put out their mums, tack up their autumn wreaths or spread their spider webs.

Next Saturday, judging will begin for the first home decoration contest during Scott City's Railroad Day.

"Lots of people decorate for Halloween now," said Carolyn Pendergrass, one of the organizers of Railroad Day, sponsored by the Scott City Park and Recreation Department. "We thought we would recognize those who put effort into decorating their homes."

There are no applications needed to enter the contest. Just decorate your home and hope the judges, who will be combing the town next Saturday, find it appealing.

There are two categories: Halloween Hobo, which will be judged on originality and theme for the Halloween season, and Fall Fantasy, for those decorating with fall arrangements using flowers, hay bales and other fall decorations.

Prizes will be awarded to winners, Pendergrass said.

Other events being held in conjunction with Railroad Day are a parade, costume contest, pageants, a walk and run race and live entertainment.

The 12th annual Halloween Parade is for children, by children, Pendergrass said.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church on Dearborn Street, go down Main Street, then over the overpass on Second Street and into Old Illmo. To enter a float, call Phyllis Spinks, (573) 264-3411.

A children's costume contest will follow the parade at a stage that will be set up on Second Street near the overpass. An adult hobo costume contest will be held there at 4 p.m.

The Railroad Day 2K walk and 5K run will begin at 9 a.m. at the caboose at the Main Street parking lot and will finish at Old Illmo. Entry fee is $7.

A Miss Railroad Day contest will be open to ninth through 12th-graders; entry fee is $15. The Little Mr. and Miss Railroad Day contest is open to ages 3-6; entry fee is $10. Registration forms for both contests must be turned in by Thursday. For forms or more information on the contests, call Pendergrass at (573) 264-3187.

Bands will play on the stage most of the day. Pendergrass said styles will range from gospel to country to German.

Railroad Day is a project to raise money for the Scott City Historical Preservation organization, which is planning to build either a museum of local history or a welcome center, Pendergrass said.