The residents of Hamlet have their arms wide open welcoming all to the annual Yellowstone Trail Fest. The three day event begins today at the fairgrounds, and ends Sunday with a parade at 3 p.m.

Today the 1840s Rendezvous participants will be setting up camp, and the vendors will be in setting up their booths. The vendors should be ready for business at about 4 p.m., and for those of you who enjoy clogging there will be a demonstration at 6 p.m.

Saturday the fest will start in earnest with a pancake breakfast, car show, a magician, bands, gospel singers, and more. Times for those activities will be available tomorrow. One thing you won’t want to miss on Saturday is the Chili Cook Off. Tasting starts at 12:30 p.m., and for $2 you can sample many chili delicacies.

There will also be a townwide garage sale throughout the festival itself, and Richard Jensen will have his military museum open for all to tour as well.