The West Nassau Historical Society has begun plans for their signature fund raising event, the 2013 Railroad Days Festival. The eighth annual celebration is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 22nd and 23rd. Major events will be held both days in and around the historic 1881 Callahan Train Depot and historic 1856 Florida Railroad bed. Friday’s festivities will start in mid afternoon as the local schools let out for the start of Spring Break. This year’s celebration will include recognizing Rayonier and their 75th anniversary of the construction of the pulp mills in Nassau County. Rayonier and Brandies Ace Hardware will also be honored for their donation and help on the newly renovated depot platform. The Historical Society will also honor the 1963 State Basketball Champions, the Hilliard High Flashes. They will also kick off Viva Florida 500, marking the 500th anniversary of Florida’s discovery by starting their historical marker program for Kings Ferry, Callahan and Bryceville. There will be various food and craft vendors on the grounds both days, along with train and classic car exhibits, tractors, kids’ play area and live music and entertainment from the front platform. The highlight on Saturday is the 8th annual Railroad Days Parade which is set for Saturday at 11:00 AM. Cochrane’s Collision Center will host a classic car show after the parade. Train layouts and the Nassau County Record photo contest entries will be on display inside the Depot Annex, as well as a photo exhibit of the 75th anniversary of the paper mills. John Hendricks will have a book signing of his new book on the life of Daniel Callahan. The West Nassau Historical Society is a non-profit, tax exempt organization dedicated to the preservation of Nassau County’s rich history and to the maintenance and upkeep of the historic Callahan Depot. Sponsors and volunteers are needed to help make this festival a success. For additional information on the 2013 Railroad Days Festival or on becoming a volunteer, sponsor, or donor please visit www.wnhsfl.org, West Nassau Historical Society on Facebook or call John Hendricks with the Society at 904-879-3406.