By Jordan Ries
For The Leader-Herald
The Gloversville Railfest will return for its 16th year on Saturday with plans for another fun-filled day of entertainment, food and family.
“I’m anticipating that Railfest will be bigger than it’s ever been,” said Jeremy Trajewski, chairman of the Gloversville Recreation Commission.
Railfest was canceled for 2020, but the Commission pulled it back in 2021. However, COVID made it difficult for members to rely on any kind of certainty, according to organizers.
“We held hands[-sanitizing] stations everywhere,” he said April Rienhardt, Treasurer of the Recreation Commission. “We took a lot of precautions to stay safe. It was a little weird last year to come back and not know and then know and then not know again. But this year we’ve pretty much started from the first meeting “.
“Our last Railfest pre-pandemic, we raised $8,000 that day,” Trajewski said. “And through community sponsors that we had matching donations, we ended up with a total of almost $25,000. We’ve completely renovated a city park and created new playgrounds.”
So far this year, more than 80 vendors have already reserved space for the festival, and the newest addition to Railfest, a karaoke contest, promises a big turnout this year, according to organizers.
Festivities begin at 10 a.m. at Trail Station Park on West Fulton Street and will end with a fireworks display around 9 p.m.
Classic games will return to Railfest like Giant Jenga and Giant Connect Four for families to play in friendly competition, while live music plays in the background throughout the day. Attendees can purchase $10 day passes to access the bounce houses and inflatable obstacle course on the lawn. Tickets will also be offered for attendees who only stay a few hours.
“It’s a good time and it’s family,” said Devon Davis, assistant city clerk for the City of Gloversville and mother of one. “Everyone can come together as a community and play against people you’ve never played against or met before.”
The Gloversville Fire Department will continue the tradition of parking a fire truck in the parking lot and letting kids play in the water. A booth will also be set up for the event, giving volunteers a way to cool off from the sunny August weather.
Raffle tickets will be floated for a 50/50 bike auction and the chance to win gift cards and prize baskets donated by local sponsors.
Another big draw will be the auto show, which already has 100 people interested, Trajewski said during an Aug. 3 phone interview. The cars, trucks and motorcycles on display are expected to drive the crowds, he said.
Parallel to the car show, the annual Railfest competition will take place. This year, Rienhardt has organized an 80s-themed show and welcomes everyone to participate in the talent portion, costume choice, or online people’s choice contest.
The winners of each age category will be crowned on the day of the Railfest. School supplies, bags, newspapers and other prizes will be given for participation. The $30 application and fee is due by Wednesday and space is limited.
Karaoke contestants, divided into 12 or less; 12 to 18; and over 19, will have the opportunity to sing a song of their choice to the judges for a trophy and bragging rights as first-time winners.
The sign-up sheet has been overwhelmed with interest, Rienhardt said, and he hopes it will be a regularly scheduled event as the years go by.
“When I came in [to the Gloversville Recreation Commission], we literally only ran a few events throughout the year and they were much smaller in scope. With the group of people we have now and the work we’ve done over the years, we’ve added and continue to add events every year. We seem to be growing more and more,” Trajewski said
The party is a community event organized by the community, for the community, according to the organizers.
Gloversville Rec uses Railfest to raise funds for city park renovations and improvements. Its membership is made up of Gloversville parents and parent volunteers.
“Myers Park was the last park that we just finished. And then we have what everybody calls The Cage. That’s where the basketball hoops are. There’s also a park that goes from there to Washington Street that it’s still under construction,” said Reinhardt, who is a mother of four. “There’s always something we can do for kids, to keep them off the street and engaged.”
I wanted to do something that would give back to my kids,” said Trajewski, who is a father of triplets. “It’s a passion for all of us to be able to put on these events and do things for the Gloversville community.”
