Mark your calendars for the 24th Annual Rails to Trails Festival on Saturday, October 8th, from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
This year’s Festival will once again be co-presented by the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce and Lassen Land and Trails Trust. It features the definitive Lassen County Chili Cook-off and Salsa Contest, along with traditional handcar races—the only parallel, hand pump races in northern California, local microbrews from Lassen Ale Works, vendors galore and activities for young and old alike.
The local band, Forgery, will be providing a range of music that’s sure to delight everyone.
“It’s not to be missed,” said Amy Holmen, Land Manager for LL&TT and one of the event’s organizers, “And remember, 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.”
The annual festival draws visitors from throughout the region, as well as offering our 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.
The Festival opens at 10:00 a.m. with craft and vendor marketplace, with handcar race practice runs and activities for all ages. The first handcar race rolls at 11:00 a.m. At noon the People’s Choice Chili and Salsa Tasting begins. Music will start then, too, for listening and dancing.
At 3:00, the strong and the brave can test themselves in the Handcar Pushers contest. Stick around because awards begin at 3:30 p.m. and you’ll want to know who all of the winners are.
Handcar team, chili and salsa completion and craft/vendor spaces are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Get your registration in soon, then start getting that winning chili or salsa recipe ready and start your handcar team’s conditioning for the big race. Visit www.lassencountychamber.com or www.lassenlandandtrailstrust.org to download registration forms or just stop by the Chamber office located at 75 N. Weatherlow in Susanville.
This year’s Festival is possible through generous support from sponsors, including: Billington ACE Hardware, C&S Waste, Lassen Ale Works, Sierra Pacific Foundation, JDX/KSUE, as well as Diamond Mountain Casino & Hotel, Banner Lassen Medical Center, Red Lion Inn Susanville, Susanville Auto Center, and Cabela’s Reno.
Additional support for the festival is provided by SusanvilleStuff.com, Plumas Bank, Gary Felt and Susan Quale, Carlson’s Tire Pros, Sierra Cascade Nursery, Morning Glory Dairy, Western Nevada Supply, and Supreme Graphics.
“Your support through attending, purchasing Chili and Salsa Tasting kits, entering the Handcar Races and having a great time is also critical,” said Holmen. “We look forward to seeing you there!”
The Bizz Johnson Marathon, a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, will once again be hosted at the historic Susanville Railroad Depot and racers and their friends and families will be joining in the Rails to Trails Festival fun. To learn more about the marathon, visit www.coastaltrails.com.
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