Odessa is kicking off its 2025 Puddle Jumper Days festival with full slate of activities beginning Thursday evening.

The festivities begin Thursday with a carnival in downtown Odessa, as well as other events like a cornhole tournament, an art show, and a lip sync talent show.

The festival is named after a passenger train known as the Puddle Jumper, which ran through Odessa and other rural communities. Puddle Jumpers Planning Committee President Laura Sanders says the festival honors the history of the town and community.

Some of Friday’s event include the frog and turtle race in the morning, and bike races in the afternoon. Sanders says there are numerous activities for anyone to enjoy, including a parade at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The festival will also have live music and food vendors throughout the weekend. The festival begins Thursday at 5 p.m.