10-year anniversary Depot Day planned May 4; check out details including a street dance
Published 12:04 am Thursday, April 11, 2024
- A Depot Day attendee rides the bull in 2023. (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
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In January, 2014, the Friends of the Orange Depot was founded and plans to renovate the historic Southern Pacific Depot for the community moved forward.
On Saturday/May 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., everyone is invited to enjoy a special ten-year celebration during DEPOT DAY, the annual fundraiser held at the Orange Train Depot Museum grounds at 1210 Green Avenue.
Mayor Larry Spears will announce May 4 proclaimed as Depot Day in Orange at 11:30 a.m.
Depot Day attendees line up for a train ride in 2023. (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
In addition to the mayor, a number of city council members, including Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Burch and Councilwoman Mary McKenna, will be in attendance, as well as local benefactor Gisela Houseman, who donated the land for the new hospital.
Besides the many rides and children’s activities featured, there will be entertainment provided by the Orange Community Players and Orange Blossom Dancers.
Model trains will be on display inside the depot, and a special memory game sponsored by the Stark Museum of Art will be held outside under the main tent.
Returning this year is the most popular attraction, the balloon twister.
Children always enjoy the trackless train, the pony rides, the bronco ride and more.
Depot day is free to all, with just a small fee for the activities ($1 or 6 for $5). There will be a large raffle, with lots of great prizes available, including an electric train.
Madeline Lowe, 11, speaks with Amber Winkelmann at Depot Day in 2023. (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
Food vendors will be on the grounds and additional vendors inside the depot.
Major sponsors of DEPOT DAY are Architectural Alliance, Capital Title, Claybar Funeral Home, CRC Foundation, First Financial Bank and Steirman-Whitfield.
Dancing in the street
To celebrate the anniversary, all are invited to the DEPOT STREET DANCE from 6 to 8 p.m. May 4, with music by DJ Chas White with Real Stage playing a wide variety of tunes, from rock to zydeco.
Free State Cellars Winery will be on site to quench the thirst, as well as food vendors.
Dance entry is a $5 donation per couple. Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
For more information about DEPOT DAY or to rent the Depot for an event, call 409-330-1576 or visit orangetxdepot.org, or on Facebook, Friends of the Orange Depot.
