Given the anticipation of the eight-mile extension, it would seem that a celebration would be in order, and both the University and Metro are planning to deliver.

A map shows the new stations and routes of the completed Cross County Extension project. The eight-mile stretch of rails will open to the public Aug. 26.

The University will host a Grand Opening Celebration from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 26 in the parking lot just outside Uncas A. Whitaker Hall. Planned activities include a miniature train ride, arts and crafts, music and refreshments.

The first train will leave the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station at about 11 a.m. and make its way through the alignment.

The ceremony will continue with a sequential ribbon-cutting and brief speeches as the train pulls into each Cross County station. A list of elected officials and honored guests will then board the first train at their respective stations and make their way to Shrewsbury.

Trains will continue to serve these stations after 12:15 p.m., so many guests can arrive at the celebration via train.

Once at Shrewsbury, the celebration will kick off at 1 p.m. with speeches by some of the area's top government officials, paying special recognition to those who have worked hard to deliver this project to the region.

The day will conclude with Linkfest, from 2-8 p.m. LinkFest will be a family-friendly event that will begin immediately after Metro's Grand Opening Celebration and will end with fireworks.

Linkfest will be in the public green space located just south of the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 station. Along with live music, refreshments and games, area businesses will have booths with information and samples so people can get a taste of the new attractions reachable by riding MetroLink.

The MetroLink trains on the Cross County alignment will be free from 12:15-10 p.m. Aug. 26 and from 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Aug. 27, with full-fare service beginning Aug. 28.

Metro will also host "Everyone Can Ride" day from 1-6 p.m. Aug. 15. That will be an orientation day for members of the ADA community. Persons with disabilities and organizations who serve this audience are invited to visit the new MetroLink stations along the Cross County alignment.

Metro personnel will be available to identify the accessible entrances and explain how to use the system from these new locations.