The 44th Annual Amory Railroad Festival returns this weekend, April 10th-13th. This festival is a long-standing community tradition in Amory, Mississippi, celebrating the town’s rich railroad heritage.
Why is the railroad so important to Amory? In November 1887, the Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham Railroad (KCM&B)–later the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad, or “Frisco”–established a new town as the halfway point between Memphis and Birmingham. This town was named Amory in honor of Harcourt Amory, a prominent railroad executive. 500 acres were purchased for the railroad, surveyed, and drawn into plots parallel to the railroad tracks, creating Mississippi’s first planned community. This unique history is what makes Amory’s railroad so special and significant.
The annual festival highlights the historical significance of the railroad in Amory, which played a crucial role in the town’s development and economic growth. The streets are full of people, and delicious food, carnival rides, arts and crafts, a car show, and various vendors are available. The car show features classic and modern vehicles, the arts and crafts section will showcase local talent, and food vendors will offer a variety of delicious food.
Participants can also sign up for a 5k, and of course, there is live music at Frisco Park. This year, a 90s country band, Mustache, will take the stage Saturday evening at 8 p.m. and perform everyone’s favorite 90s hits. There will also be an “Open Mic Singer-Songwriter Talent Show” on Saturday afternoon from 2:00–4:00 p.m. This makes sense, as Amory is home to several talented musicians and, most recently, some top American Idol contestants.
In 2023, the Amory Railroad Festival was postponed due to an EF-3 tornado that struck the area on March 24. The tornado caused significant damage to parts of Amory and surrounding communities, leading to the festival’s cancellation that year. However, after this hiatus, the festival returned in 2024, marking a significant moment for the community’s recovery. The streets were full of festival goers last year to celebrate its return and Amory’s strength, a testament to the resilience and spirit of the community.
One of the main attractions at the Amory Railroad Festival is the iconic, locally made apple fritters. The delicious apple fritters are cooked up by members of Bethel Church and are a must-have for many festival goers year after year.
Amory, Mississippi, is a small town with a big heart. Hospitality is around every corner, and locals and visitors alike eagerly anticipate the annual Railroad Festival every year. There’s something special about coming together to celebrate where you’re from and to uphold a tradition that generations have been a part of years past. The excitement is palpable. So grab an apple fritter and walk the storied streets of downtown Amory as they hustle and bustle with community, music, food, and fellowship.
