BRANCHVILLE - One of South Carolina's most popular events, the Raylrode Daze Festivul, is gearing up for its 40th year in the Town of Branchville, the world's oldest railroad junction.

This year's Raylrode Daze Festivul will begin with Kick-Off Sunday on Sept. 21. The highlight of the day will be the cutting of the 150th birthday cake for the Town of Branchville following a barbecue luncheon that's set to begin at 12:30 p.m. This year's festival coincides with Branchville's Sesquicentennial celebration.

Other events for Kick-Off Day will include carnival rides, performances by the All Will Be Won, a contemporary Christian band as well as the ever-popular Branch Junction Gunfighters and Can-Can Girls.

Other activities during the week will include a pet show on Monday, Sept. 22; a talent show on Tuesday, Sept. 23; and Bingo at Branch Junction on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

The Festivul kicks into high gear on Thursday, Sept. 25, with a planned Wild Game Supper on Thursday evening, followed by karaoke, carnival rides and judging of merchant store windows.

Events on Friday, Sept. 26, will include Opening Ceremonies in front of the historic Branchville Depot, and carnival rides throughout the weekend. The schedule also includes a street dance Friday night, along with appearances by the Can-Can Girls and the Gunfighters, with the Kangaroo Court set for 7:15 p.m.

A parade at 11 a.m. will launch the Festivul's big day on Saturday, Sept. 27, with Raylrode Daze concluding on Sunday, Sept. 28.

A complete schedule and additional information about the Branchville Raylrode Daze Festivul can be found at the Web site at www.raylrodedazefestivul.com/.

T&D Correspondent Phyllis A. Overstreet can be reached by e-mail at paoverstreet@bellsouth.net. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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