Organizers of a four-day event celebrating a western Illinois community's railroad heritage are looking to again boost attendance.
Turnout at Railroad Days in Galesburg has doubled recently, but organizers say they've added programming in hopes of even bigger crowds.
Attendance has averaged 12,000 to 14,000 the last three years. It used to be around 5,000 or 6,000.
The event starts Thursday. Organizers say it draws visitors from about 20 states. The Galesburg Railroad Days Council has added new performances for the 40th celebration, including a show inspired by poet Carl Sandburg's work.
Organizers say the presence of rail facilities influenced Galesburg's development as a commercial and industrial center in western Illinois. Plans are also underway in Galesburg for the National Railroad Hall of Fame.
