It’s that time of year again – the Bizz Johnson Trail is bursting with color, the air is crisp and the smell of warm bubbling chili can be taken in at Lassen Land and Trail Trust’s 23rd annual Rails to Trails Festival this Saturday, October 10th, from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. The festival has grown into one of Lassen County’s biggest events of the year and this time around it is being co-presented by the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce and Lassen Land and Trails Trust.
This year’s festival will once again feature the definitive Lassen County Chili Cook-off and Salsa Contest, the only parallel railroad handcar races in northern California, local micro-brews from Lassen Ale Works, vendors galore and activities for young and old alike.
Local band, Fourgery, will be providing a range of music that’s sure to delight everyone.
The annual festival draws visitors from throughout the region, as well as offering our own community an opportunity to celebrate our railroad history and support our local rail trails, including the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail and the Modoc Line Rail Trail, while having a great time.
“And remember,” says LL&TT Executive Director Louise Jensen, “this event is one way you help to improve the trails we all appreciate and love. The outdoor life is our way of life in Lassen County, so come and be a part of it all.”
Rails to Trails Festival Schedule
10:00
- Artisans, goods and great food booths open for business
- Lassen County Historical Society’s covered wagon brings you Lassen County’s historic characters, including Susan Roop
- Lassen County Arts Council will open up the world of the visual arts for all
- Handcar team practice time
11:00
- Handcar races begin. Still time to register your team — racing slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Only 14 slots available
- Chili and Salsa judges begin tasting — a great slate of judges this year, including local chefs
12:00
- Chili and salsa tasting kits go on sale and People’s Choice voting begins! Kits are $7.50 each or a Family Packet (4 kits) for $25.00
- Music begins with the band Fourgery and continues until 3:30p.m.
- Line dancing demonstration and workshop on the back deck (so wear your dancing shoes)
3:00
- People’s Choice voting for Chili and Salsa closes… but you can continue tasting as long as there’s chili and salsa
- Handcar Pusher’s Contest — test your strength! Men and women compete to see just how far they can push a handcar down the track!
3:30
- Awards presentations. Be sure to stick around cause you’ll want to cheer for your choice and the handcar winning teams
For more information or registration forms, go to www.lassencountychamber.com or www.lassenlandandtrailstrust.org or just stop by the Trust or Chamber offices located at the historic Susanville Railroad Depot at 601 Richmond Road at the Bizz Johnson trail-head or at 75 N. Weatherlow.
This year’s Festival is made possible through generous support from sponsors, including: Banner Lassen Medical Center, Billington ACE Hardware, C&S Waste, Cabela’s Reno, Lassen Ale Works, Sierra Pacific Foundation, JDX/KSUE, W.M. Beatty and Associates, with additional support from Diamond Mountain Casino and Hotel, Frontier Communications, Plumas Sierra Rural Electric, Pregill Insurance Agency, Supreme Graphics, Gary Felt and Susan Quale, and American Pacific Mortgage.
Also contributing are Customer Talk, Morning Glory Dairy, High Country Inn and Uptown Massage.
“Your support through attending, purchasing Chili and Salsa Tasting kits, entering the Handcar Races and having a great time is also so important,” said Jensen. “We look forward to seeing you there!”
