Lula celebrates its railroad heritage for the 39th year

Lula - The City of Lula's population at least tripled Saturday as moms, dads, and their children lined the town's main street to watch the two mile long Railroad Days parade. 

The city sponsored the parade and the Lula Area Betterment Association played host to the 39th annual event. LABA president Mare Barbee said Lula is one of the few towns in Georgia that celebrates its railroad heritage

"We had the Tallulah Railroad, we had the road from Athens," Barbee said. "My father was a railroad man years ago, so we have a great love for the railroad."

Barbee expected several thousand people for Railroad Days to watch the parade and visit at least 45 arts and crafts vendors.

Baton Twirlers, Shriners, clowns, fire trucks, and the East Hall Marching Band were among the parade entries.  City Manager Dennis Bergin said everything was there to make it a truly American event for the 39th year.

"This is about as Americana as you can get," Bergin said. "In a small community like this, they all get flamboyant and come have the best time in the world."

Bergin added that Norfolk Southern Railroad helped celebrate Railroad Days by not sending trains through town while the event was in progress.

After the parade the spectators crowded into the 'Train Yard' for an afternoon of arts, crafts, food and entertainment.

The City held the parade this year in memory of Council member Vicky Chambers.