Racing Handcars and Celebrating Rail Heritage: A Recap of Boone's Pufferbilly Days Festival
Boone, Iowa recently hosted the annual Pufferbilly Days festival, celebrating the town's rich rail heritage. The event featured a variety of activities, including a parade, model railroad show, and train rides at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. One of the highlights was a competition where participants raced rail handcars along a quarter-mile track owned by the railroad. Teams of four individuals worked together to pump the wheels and propel the handcars forward. Five teams took part in the exciting competition, with participants expressing both the challenge and enjoyment of the event. Visitors, including retired railroad engineers and local residents, found the experience to be a fun and engaging way to celebrate the town's history and community spirit. Overall, Pufferbilly Days provided a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with Boone's rail heritage and enjoy a day of friendly competition and camaraderie.