NORTH CANAAN - Excitement is rising and anticipation building for tonight's display of fireworks and other attractions as part of the Chamber of Commerce's annual Railroad Days this year. "The fireworks display brings people from all over," said John Lannen, event coordinator and chamber member. "The streets are closed off and people line up on the fields, across the street... it's unbelievable."

The Railroad Days is a self-sufficient, nonprofit gala funded by community and business donations, Lannen said.

"It is so much put on by the community, not just the businesses," Lannen said. "There are always core people behind the scenes, but we send out letters and every day people make the contributions - $5, $10, $50. It's nice because they want it there for the kids." The festival is in its 43rd year this summer, Lannen said.

"When my husband and I bought our home here in Canaan 14 years ago, it was the Canaan Railroad Days and the obvious way this town cares so much about children that attracted us," said Kim Adams, webmaster for the chamber's Web site.

Adams, of Webmastery.org, said she has been attending the weeklong event for years and posts photographs of children and families enjoying the event on the Web site www.northcanaanchamber.com.

"I love knowing that all the work I do on the Chamber's Web site is contributing to the fun and festivities that Canaan has become so well known for," Adams said. "Rachel Freund and I really enjoyed donating our time and face painting talents Friday night during the street festival. The kids were so much fun, and I'm amazed at how a little glitter made everything all right, even when the final result more closely resembled a scribble than the dinosaur or the unicorn that had been requested."

Before the fireworks display today, which will begin at dusk at Lawrence Field, dozens of attractions, booths and festivities will be set up from early morning and throughout the day, including the popular Car Cruise and Show held at McDonald's parking lot at 10 p.m., Lannen said.

Events today include a Brand Name Closeout Sale from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. offered by Stadium System, the St. Joseph Annual Festival with sausage and chicken grinders luncheon, and a chicken barbecue dinner with raffle prizes, tag sales, vendors, popcorn and children's corner. Dozens of events fill the day and a craft fair will continue into Sunday, Lannen said. For a complete list of scheduled events, or to volunteer for either the festival or on the Chamber of Commerce, visit www.northcanaanchamber.com.

Jenna Ciaramella can be reached by e-mail at litchfield@registercitizen.com.