Mineola chamber making plans for September Iron Horse Festival

The Iron Horse Heritage Festival, a celebration of Mineola’s railroad heritage and the Mineola Chamber of Commerce’s biggest community event, returns to historic downtown Mineola Saturday, Sept. 23.

The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment will be on tap all day in the gazebo at Commerce and Johnson Streets, next to the railroad line that is the heart of the festival. Food and artisan vendors and exciting contests will highlight the day’s events including live music, art exhibition, food vendors, beer and wine, classic car show, weenie dog race, pie baking contest, corn hole tournament, watermelon eating contest, Dance Dimensions performance and the new Steampunk District experience.

“We’re excited to have so many great activities for residents and visitors to the Mineola area,” said Kelsie McGilvray, chamber president.

Four major sponsorship opportunities remain as a way to promote business interests and share civic pride. Each sponsor will receive recognition and profile before and during the event. The remaining railroad-themed sponsorships are Texas and Pacific Railway Company; Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad; Southern Pacific Railroad; and International Railroad Company.

For information on all event sponsorship opportunities and to apply for a vendor’s permit, contest entry or other details about the day’s events visit mineolachamber.org or email the chamber at chamber@mineola.com, call the chamber office at 903-569-2087 or visit 101 E. Broad St.