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| Snoqualmie’s original fire truck |
On August 28 and 29, 2021, Snoqualmie Railroad Days made a triumphant return to the live event scene. Despite the lingering effects of a global pandemic, the annual town festival that has been hosted in downtown for more than 80 years was able to return with a Grand Parade, an impressive car show, and of course the trains.
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| 924 attracted attention |
Of course there were many precautions. Even with local vaccination rates of more than 85%, masks were mandatory inside buildings and on the train. There were no outside food vendors this year. Many participants practiced social distancing, and some activities including the wine bar and jazz stage took this year off.
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| 924 began the parade |
The steam locomotive NPR 924 operated on Saturday as a demonstration. It paced the honor guard leading the Grand Parade. Then it shuttled between Newton Street and Fir Street all day long, with a brief pause in the north siding at Northern Street to allow the regular train to pass.
Traditionally, Saturday morning of Snoqualmie Railroad Days weekend sees a Grand Parade, and 2021 did not disappoint. Fancy cars, the Mt Si marching band “Band Is Back!” local politicians and more provided a 45 minute experience. The parade also included dancers, drill teams, service clubs, local merchants, unicycle demonstrations, and the Grand Marshal. The 2021 Grand Marshal was the Snoqualmie Valley Healthcare Worker, and was represented in the parade by a diverse group of healthcare workers, and backed up by the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital.
Every four years Snoqualmie elects a mayor, and Snoqualmie Railroad Days often sees competing candidates in the parade and in booths along Railroad Ave. This year Katherine Ross is facing off against Peggy Shepard. Both candidates made an impressive showing.
Vendors are always an important part of Railroad Days, too. Local honey, Gideon Bibles, African art and hand made instruments were just a few of the unique offerings in booths along Railroad Ave. Other vendors included hand made clothing, book dealers, and a candle maker.
The highlight of this year’s event was the Sunday car show. Hosted by the Roadsters Northwest Club, almost 100 automobiles graced the streets of Snoqualmie on Sunday. Muscle cars, antique cars, collector cars, sports cars, hot rods and even a few antique pick up trucks were on display.
