LULA CELEBRATES 150 YEARS WITH MILESTONE RAILROAD DAYS FESTIVAL
- Nora Almazan
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
By: Nora Almazan
The City of Lula is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone—150 years of railroad heritage—alongside its beloved 50th Annual Railroad Days Festival, a tradition that continues to unite the community year after year.
What began as a small railroad town in 1876 has grown into a close-knit city deeply rooted in the rails that shaped its identity. That legacy remains at the heart of Lula’s story, and this year’s celebration promises to be one of the biggest yet.
“This is a very special year for Lula,” said Jerry Neace, interim city manager. “It’s the 50th Railroad Days, the 150th year for the founding of the city, and the 250th birthday of our nation.”
Neace shared that the festival was first organized in 1976 by Donna Lawson, with the help of the Lula Area Business Association, local churches, and dedicated citizens. While many of those early contributors have since passed away or moved on, their vision continues to live on through the event.
“Some are still here who remember those early days,” Neace said. “Their pride in Lula still carries forward.”
Today, while city staff and leadership coordinate much of the logistics, it is the continued support and involvement of residents that truly make the event a success each year.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival will be a live performance by country music artist John Berry, who will take the stage at the depot at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. A Grammy and Emmy award-winning singer-songwriter, Berry is known for hits such as Your Love Amazes Me, Standing on the Edge of Goodbye, and She’s Taken a Shine. His performance is expected to draw visitors from across the region.
Railroad Days will feature a full day of festivities, including live music from local artists, vendors, food, and family-friendly activities, all set against the backdrop of Lula’s historic downtown and active railroad lines.
The day will begin with the always-anticipated parade at 10:00 a.m., hosted by Masters of Ceremonies Jerry Neace and Susan Newsom. Adding to the excitement, the Grand Marshal—kept a closely guarded secret—will be revealed as a beloved and well-known member of the community.
The City of Lula will present to the best parade entry a commemorative, beautifully crafted patriotic award in celebration of Lula's 150 years.
City leaders say the celebration is about more than entertainment—it’s about honoring the generations who built the town and celebrating the connections that remain today.
“We’re proud of our history and the role the railroad has played in shaping our community,” Neace said. “We anticipate this year to be big with John Berry, the parade, and so much more.”
Neace added with a smile that Berry had only one simple request for the event: “Water and Diet Coke.”
To accommodate the expected crowds, additional parking will be available at Rafe Banks Park, located at 5831 Athens Street in Lula.
“This is an opportunity to relive the days when Lula was a central hub for travelers coming from Atlanta and heading to Charlotte or Asheville,” Neace said. “It was a key stop where passengers changed trains before continuing on to Tallulah Falls. Lula was a bustling railroad community for many years.”
He added that the event offers younger generations a chance to better understand that history.
“Today, trains can feel like an inconvenience,” Neace said. “But learning their importance to Lula’s story is key.”
With more than 13 years of military service and extensive experience in government and administration, Neace brings both leadership and passion to his role. For him, the event carries deep meaning.
“I want to see people enjoy each other and the community in which they live,” he said.
The festival is made possible through the support of the City of Lula and numerous local sponsors, reflecting the strong spirit that defines the area.
As trains continue to pass through Lula, they remain a powerful reminder of the town’s enduring legacy—one built on hard work, connection, and a shared sense of place.
The Lula Railroad Days Celebration invites everyone to be part of that story—past, present, and future.