Welcome to the Durand RailRoad Days Festival
CELEBRATING 51 YEARS OF FUN!
Watch as the procession marches toward the downtown area from the high school access road. The parade lineup includes veterans, royalty, clowns, bands, horses and much more. Have fun and enjoy!
Durand is still a railroad town, proud of its heritage and proud of the men and women of the railroad industry that helped build our Nation and who continue to keep it “moving” forward. Come Celebrate Railroad Days with us this year as we celebrate our 50th birthday!
Come Celebrate Our 50th Annual Durand Railroad Days Festival
May 14-17 2026
Railroad Days Court and Railroad Person of the Year
2026 Durand Railroad Days Court
Prince – Kenneth Smith (KJ)
Princess – Lucilly Wirebaugh (Lucy)
Queen – Addison Minto (Addi)
2026 Durand Railroad Days Person of the Year
David Butler’s railroad story began in 1965 when, at just 18 years old, he hired on with the Grand Trunk Western Railroad — stepping into a career that would span decades and leave a lasting mark on the industry he loved. Starting as a switchman in Pontiac, Dave quickly proved himself a natural in the world of railroading.
By 1967, his talent and dedication led him to engine service, and at just 22 years old, he achieved the proud distinction of becoming a locomotive engineer. From the historic hub of Durand, Dave guided his trains across Michigan — through Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Saginaw, Bay City, and Detroit — logging countless miles and carrying with him the skill and professionalism that defined his career.
Beyond the cab, Dave was a tireless advocate for his fellow engineers. For 16 years, he served as Local Chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, giving a voice to the men and women who keep the railroad running.
Off the rails, Dave’s greatest journey has been alongside his wife Melissa, to whom he has been devoted for 47 wonderful years. Together they have built a beautiful family — three daughters, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren — a legacy any man would be proud of.
Dave would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in naming him Railroad Person of the Year.
Join us at the Carnaval
Elliots Amusements will be providing all the fun and entertainement for this year’s event.
Wristbands will be available for a cost of $20 each on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Saturday bracelets will be $25 each for the entire session. Online presale tickets are available at the website www.GoToTheCarnival.com
Session time periods are as follows:
Thursday, May 14 3 p.m.-11 p.m.
Friday, May 15 3 p.m.-11 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
(the wristband cost is $25 for Saturday)
Sunday, May 17 Noon-6 p.m.