Railroad Days successfully rolls back into West Chicago

Railroad Days came rolling back into West Chicago this weekend, with live bands, a carnival, fireworks and a parade.

The four-day event brought hundreds of people to the festival's new location in Pioneer Park to celebrate summer in a city shaped by the railroad. The fest concludes Sunday with the parade, which kicks off at 1 p.m. near the intersection of Ingalton Avenue and Elmwood Street.

"Everyday Olympians" is the theme for this year's parade, a nod to the upcoming summer Olympic Games and to West Chicago citizens who participate in Senior Olympics, Academic Olympics and Special Olympics. The parade's grand marshals are Sean McComb, Tony Marin and David White, three Special Olympics athletes from West Chicago Community High School.

Free entertainment was provided throughout the weekend by several cover bands that played music from Pink Floyd, Dave Matthews Band, The Who and other rock groups. Kids rode carnival rides in the park and adults enjoyed festival food and beer nightly.

On Saturday, fallen police officer Michael Browning was honored during a 5K run/walk in his name. All proceeds went to a scholarship fund for local students pursuing a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.

A new bean bag tournament with cash prizes was also held later in the day.

"I'm going on 76 years old and I'm still trying to play with the young guys," said Larry Buchholz of West Chicago. "I made all these beanbag boards and provided all the equipment for the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. I like to play, along with donating the equipment."