By Kevin Hanson-The Courier-Herald

Organizers are hoping to provide more entertainment than ever as they prepare for the 32nd annual edition of the Wilkeson National Handcar Races.

The fun is planned for Saturday in the small Pierce County town, made possible by the Wilkeson Booster Club and a small band of corporate sponsors.

Things get rolling, literally, at 11 a.m. as the traditional parade makes its way through town.

From there, actions shifts to the 420-foot stretch of abandoned railroad track along Railroad Avenue, just past Wilkeson Elementary School. Teams of three or five people race against the clock and each other for pride and prizes, pumping an old-fashioned handcar over the rails.

The Booster Club has attempted to make the day more entertaining. For example, there will be lawnmower races and a tug-o-war contest. There will be food, vendors and a beer garden, along with plenty of fun for kids including pony rides and a bouncy train.

There will be a mock Civil War skirmish staged at noon and 5:30 p.m. and a variety of musical acts, including Twilight Zone (music of the 1930s and ‘40s) at noon; Namaste - Women Who Drum at 1 p.m.; old-time fiddlers at 3 p.m.; and the Wilkebelles and Amazing Musto at 4 p.m.

The day wraps up with the traditional street dance, featuring The Strokker Band.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.