A combination of live music, a parade, rows of vendors, civil war reenactments and a recreated American Indian village attracted people of all ages to Archer's Yulee Railroad Days Celebration on Saturday.
The weeklong, 14th annual celebration was renamed "Yulee Diddley Day" to honor the late Archer resident and legendary rock 'n' roll legend Bo Diddley.
Since 1994, the Yulee Days celebration has given Alachua County residents the chance to learn and experience aspects of Florida's railroad history.
The cross-state Florida railroad stretched 155 miles from Fernandina Beach on the Atlantic coast to Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast, and it was one of the driving forces for Florida's early growth.
In addition to learning about Florida railroad history, attendees of Yulee Days had the chance to buy homemade crafts, eat carnival food and play games.
Shaved ice, root beer floats and cotton candy booths lined the streets of downtown Archer along with vendors of handmade jewelry, birdhouses, instruments and other crafts.
Phyllis Scott, a member of the Archer Historical Society, said there was no charge for the vendors and only donations were asked for.
UF junior Attiyya Anthony said she was overwhelmed by all of the things to do, from eating homemade desserts to visiting Archer's historic Railroad Depot and U.S. Victory Museum.
Anthony said she also enjoyed the singing and dancing in the American Indian village. The tomahawks, banging drums and tribal dancing grabbed the attention of children who passed by.
"All the children were enthusiastic and asking lots of questions," said Carol Knudson, also known as "Sweet Waters," who operates Silver Waters' American Indian-style craft booth and teaches people about the American Indian culture.
"Our goal is to educate."
