Visit Columbia on Saturday, May 7, for a taste of history - literally. The "Shifter Showdown" will be part of this year's Columbia Railroad Day and will feature local restaurants competing to create the best sandwich.

The showdown will take place at 1 p.m. on the deck of the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, 41 Walnut St. "The shifter is a sandwich that features white bread, mayo, onion, pickles, ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato," said Chris Vera, president of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society, who is organizing the event. "It was invented by Tuffy O'Leana, the owner of the Columbia Cafe, and was created for the railroad workers." The showdown will feature local restaurants competing to produce the best shifter. Judges will include a direct descendent of O'Leana.

Sandwiches are just one part of the day, which will include activities throughout Columbia. The theme of the day will be "Pennsylvania Railroad," and activities will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"We'll be displaying some rare artifacts from our archives, and we'll have guest speakers who will talk about the history of the railroad," Vera stated. A variety of vendors will be set up, along with several Civil War groups and a World War II transportation group.

Columbia Railroad Day will also feature the opportunity for participants to ride on a speeder. As Vera explained, a speeder is a small, gas-powered cart that rides on the train tracks, pulling small cars with seats. "It was used to transport workers along the track," he said. Speeder rides will be given from the railroad crossing at Fourth and Manor streets out to Malleable Road and back. Historic trolley tours will be offered throughout the day as well, with information provided on the significant role Columbia played in the railroad history of the state.

At the Columbia Historic Preservation Society museum, 21 N. Second St., an O-scale model train layout will be open on the first floor, along with a 2,300-square-foot HO-scale layout on the second floor.

Proceeds from Columbia Railroad Day will benefit the Columbia Historic Preservation Society's museum. "Join us for the day and bring your family," Vera said. "There is something for every age group and there's a lot to see and do. Come out and enjoy the day and enjoy Columbia."

For more information on Columbia Railroad Day, search for "Columbia Historic Preservation Society" on Facebook.