It almost reads as a sophomoric joke.

There’s a train called the General, followed by a pump car, a conductor, engineer and a boxcar full of train hijackers.

Though it has a few comical twists and turns, The Great Locomotive Chase was more than a few wayward rascals commandeering a Confederate train during the Civil War, it was a covert operation among a network of spies for the Union Army.

“It’s kind of comical in a way,” said Adairsville historian Jerri Holloway. “It seems like fate was against these guys every way they turned.”

James Andrews and his band of cohorts, known as the Andrews Raiders, were sent south to destroy the railroad between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tenn.

The ensuing chase that passed through Adairsville, lends its name to the city’s largest festival.

The Great Locomotive Chase is an arts and crafts festival in the town that witnessed Andrews’ Raiders Civil War escapade. Today the entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places.

This year marks the 40th Annual Great Locomotive Chase Festival, which will be held Friday through Sunday in downtown Adairsville.

More than 30 crafts booths, artwork, entertainment, and 40 food booths will be set up for the event.

“This is the biggest event for Adairsville,” said organizer Frieda Lance. “Most people come to socialize and eat.”

Ms. Lance, who organized the event with Stephanie Witt, said she expects about several thou-sand to pass through the festival during the weekend.

“It’s usually elbow to elbow,” Ms. Lance said.

The hours of the festival are: Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.

Admission for ages 6 and up is $3. Admission is free on Sunday.

The event will feature the Little Mr. & Miss Festival Pageant Friday at 6 p.m.; The Grand Parade on Saturday at 11 a.m.; and the Miss Festival and Junior Miss Festival pageants, which will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday.

A street dance will be held on Friday and Saturday from 8 until 11 p.m. Gospel singing will be held on Sunday.

There also will be special festival activities inside the depot at the Age of Steam Rail Depot Mu-seum, which will be open for tours Friday and Saturday.

Information: (770)773-3451, ext 26