AMBOY – Once again, this Lee County village of 2,500 is gearing up for a weekend that will double in size as thousands more return for the annual Depot Days car show, carnival and 50/50 raffle.
The four-day party and fundraiser that is Depot Days also features dozens of other activities, including craft booths, a beer garden, a tractor show, a large equipment show, a 5K run/walk, bands, garage sales at around town and food stands.
The Depot Historical Museum, which is just one of the local nonprofits to benefit from the money raised, will also be open.
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Food is open at 5pm and the carnival opens at 6pm on Thursday. Wristbands for unlimited carnival rides are available for $20 through Sunday.
The entire event closes with a car, truck and motorcycle show, culminating in the famous 50/50 drawing.
Winners of the last five or more drawings have won more than $100,000. Last year’s winner, Tim Hord of Dixon, took home $105,580.
In addition to the main pot, five others will win prizes of $2,000 each.
Tickets available at The Last Alarm, The Longbranch Saloon, The Depot Tap, Jones Berry Lumber, Revolution Wellness, Shell Expreslane, Two Sisters on Main. and at Green River Oaks, Mendota Hills and Pine View campgrounds. in Amboy; at the Shamrock Pub in Dixon; and at Ashton Auto Repair, among other places.
They cost $5 for six. Electronic payments are not accepted and sales will stop at some point on Sunday, although tickets are available until the festival draw.
The draw will be held on Sunday around 4pm, rain or shine, and you don’t have to be present to win.
Pets are not allowed. A complete schedule and more information can be found on the Amboy Depot Days Facebook page.
