Hamlet’s railroad heritage is undeniable.

The Seaboard Festival, the annual day-long festival, will be Oct. 31 starting at 9 a.m. in downtown Hamlet.

“It’s an exciting time in Hamlet,” Nancy Averitte, president of the Seaboard Festival said.

This year is the 27th year for the festival in Hamlet.

Beginning at 8 a.m., the Seaboard Festival 5K race through the area will be run prior to the opening ceremony. Runners can still sign-up on Saturday morning between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Hamlet.

Around 9 a.m., the Seaboard Festival will hold its opening ceremony at the library in downtown Hamlet.

“Once again, the City of Hamlet is proud to host the annual Seaboard Festival,” Jeff Smart, mayor of Hamlet said. “This is our 27th year, and we look forward to this celebration every year. Our city staff has worked very hard to prepare our facilities for what we hope will be a capacity crowd.

We are very thankful for all the volunteers on the Seaboard Festival Committee. They work extremely hard all year long in order to make this one day very special in Hamlet.”

Throughout the day, festival-goers can visit booths, vendors and watch live entertainment.

“Pretty much any food you want, you can get it,” Averitte said.

Two stages will be erected on the four-block stretch of Main Street in downtown Hamlet. Acts ranging from DJ Sam Neimyer, the Blue Knights, gospel acts, local bands and dance troupes will perform throughout the day.

On the library lawn, craft artisans will brandish their talents which includes, spinners, quilters, blacksmiths and gunsmiths.

Other events include: a Conductor’s Call contest at 2 p.m., train rides, a car show, inflatable rides for children, tours of the depot and of the newly dedicated Tornado Exhibit.

The Tornado Exhibit will be open to the public Saturday following a dedication ceremony on Friday morning which will serve as the kickoff to the festival, according to officials from the City of Hamlet.

The Seaboard Festival is a non-profit event in which the proceeds from the festival benefit local charities and overseas troops each year.

“We’re all glad we can do this for Hamlet,” Averitte said. “And help bring some business to downtown Hamlet.”

Averitte said she expects to see between 10 and 15,000 people attend the festival on Saturday.

The festival is free for all and will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.

n Staff writer Bryan Stewart can be reached at 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at bstewart@yourdailyjournal.com.