Handcar Races roll into Wilkeson

The historic mining town of Wilkeson will come alive Saturday when the community celebrates the 33nd annual National Handcar Races.

The day has evolved to include much more than just the unique races and now includes activities for the entire family.

Things will begin at 11a.m. with a parade down Church Street. The parade is followed by a special performance by the Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt and Drill Team, which will perform at noon by Wilkeson Elementary School.

Parade organizers will be picking winners in a variety of categories, including automotive, floats, horses, clowns and bands/musical.

Other entertainment includes mock Civil War skirmishes; musical sets by Twilight Time, which plays music from the 1930s and ‘40s, 12:30 p.m.; “Namaste -Women Who Drum” at 2:30 p.m.; the old time fiddlers of the “Carpenter Contra Band” at 3:30 p.m.; the musical group 1928 at 4:30 p.m.; and the Wilkebelles and Amazing Musto at 5:30 p.m.

The street fair on Church and Railroad Streets includes food vendors, a beer garden, pony rides, free games, prizes and a bouncy train for children. Festivities come to a close with the annual street dance featuring “In the House.”

The highlight of the day, though, is the competition.

The handcar races begin at 12:30 p.m. at Coke Oven Park and will alternate with lawnmower races and a tug-o-war contest.

The handcar races are open to both men and women, with divisions for those on both sides of 40 years of age, and there's a special “pushing” contest.

Entry forms for contested events are available at the Wilkeson Saloon or Town Hall.