Annual Festival Draws Crowd Despite Heat
Some things seem eternally true in Galesburg. Trains rumble through town. Corn and soybeans grow. And hot weather accompanies Railroad Days. This year was no exception.
Despite heat indexes hovering just under 100 degrees, the annual carnival returned, drawing people from across Knox County to Galesburg’s town square on Main Street. Carnival rides churned, filling the air with the sounds of chains, gears, and air compressors. Rock music blasted from speakers, and riders let out delighted screams.
The bronze, stoic face of Carl Sandburg overlooked the two-day event, where young people braved rides with names like Fireball and Pharaoh’s Fury. Families of all sizes, makeups, and ages enjoyed corn dogs, funnel cakes, and lemonade. Fairgoers played games to win stuffed animals, inflatable toys, and goldfish.
The Taproot Wranglers played live bluegrass music for picnic benches full of listeners, who sipped soda and ate barbecue and street tacos served from food trucks. Vendors sold knick-knacks, pens, and T-shirts. Older men bonded over classic cars — the kinds of Fords and Chevys once common on Galesburg’s downtown streets — evoking memories of bygone eras.
Sam and Lilly Diefendorf of Galesburg have attended Railroad Days since they were kids, and they were pleased with what they saw this year. As they ordered fried Oreos, Lilly summed up the experience as “fun but hot.”
Italia Ramirez admitted she rode the most intimidating ride at the fair — the 58-foot-high Fireball, which looped riders upside down in a tight circle. In all, she said she enjoyed the food the most.
“I just keep getting more and more food,” she said, holding fries loaded with jalapeños, beef, and sour cream.
Nica Ponce was having fun too and loved the live music. She said she hopes to see more expansion at future Railroad Days, including more vendors, live music, and downtown events throughout the weekend.
