This town’s namesake can be found on a billboard alongside Interstate 80 near Verdi, Nevada.

The billboard, funded in part by the Placer County Visitors Bureau, is promoting the Colfax Railroad Days festival on Sept. 27 and 28 throughout downtown Colfax, reports event coordinator Connie Heilaman.

While the message on the board (“Who the heck was Schuyler Colfax?”) is meant to draw attention to the event, residents are also being encouraged to submit a photo of the billboard.

“Anyone who sends a picture of the billboard in its location to the chamber’s Web site (www.ColfaxArea.com) will be entered in a drawing to win a prize,” Heilaman said.

The main reason for placing the billboard so far from Colfax is to encourage out-of-the area visitors to attend the family festival, she continued.

This year’s celebration will feature antique model train displays at Sierra Vista Community Center as well as living history demonstrations, live music, a scarecrow contest and a performance by the Thunderfoot Cloggers in downtown.

On Saturday, a business fair will be presented from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Roy Toms Plaza.

The chamber will provide a 10-foot by 10-foot space to chamber members for $20. Non-members will be asked to pay $40 to participate. There is no charge for businesses joining the chamber between March 15 and Sept. 22.

Vendors must provide a table, chairs, shade and a small prize for the “Passport” drawing.

Attendees will be invited to visit vendor booths and ask each to stamp their “passport,” which can then be turned in and entered in the drawing for prizes.

Artists, craftsmen and antique vendors are invited to participate in the Arts and Antique Fair planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28.

A 10-foot by 10-foot space will be provided. Cost is $20 for chamber members or $35 for a 10-foot by 20-foot space. Non-members will be charged $40 or $65.

Only 40 spaces will be available to vendors on Sunday. This is a rain or shine event.

Vendor applications are available online at www.colfaxarea.com.