Waterville's Rhythm of the Rails celebrates railroad's impact on community

WATERVILLE, KS — Activities are planned throughout the day in Waterville Saturday, April 15, for Rhythm of the Rails, a daylong celebration showcasing the role the Central Branch Railroad played in the community’s development.

The headlining event features a concert by Chris Biggs and Ken Gustin, award-winning musicians from the Manhattan area.  The program starts at 2 p.m. at the Waterville Opera House, 126 Kansas Avenue, and takes the audience on a ride along the Central Branch Railroad through music, narration and visual presentations.     

Admission to the concert is $10, children twelve and under are free.  Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the event.

Rides will be offered on the Central Branch Railroad at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1p.m. and 4 p.m.  Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 through 12; children under 5 ride for free.  Reservations are not required for the rides.  

Those wanting to take a ride will load at the red caboose south of the Waterville Opera House.  The ride will take passengers west out of Waterville.  The ride lasts approximately one hour.

Local entertainers will perform at Nigley’s Saloon, located directly west of the Weaver Hotel, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

A “Treat Yourself” event will be in downtown Waterville from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Local business women will sell goods and promote their services.  Included are baked goods, Botox, permanent jewelry, satin feet treatments and cosmetics.

Participating businesses include Bon Mot Cakery, Lasting Links Permanent Jewelry, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Mia Bella, MSC Boutique, Seint Beauty and Sunflower Medical Clinic.

The event is sponsored by the Marshall County Arts Cooperative, Central Branch Railroad, Waterville Community Connections, Waterville Opera House, Waterville Preservation Society  and the Weaver Hotel.

For more information people may visit the arts cooperative’s website, marshallcountyarts.org