Atlantic is celebrating “125 years of Fun” this weekend, as part of the annual Coca-Cola Days festivities. The community, which is the self-proclaimed “Coca-Cola Capital of Iowa,” will play host to the second largest mini-convention of Coca-Cola collectors in the U-S, second only to Atlanta, Georgia, the home of the popular soft drink.

Meghan Roberts, Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, says vendors and collectors alike started rolling into the community earlier this week. Roberts says collectors of Coke memorabilia are well known for their expertise about the product and are excited to share their knowledge with others who may be just getting into the hobby.

The Coca-Cola Days festivities begin today (Friday), with a Tailgate Party at the historic Rock Island Depot, from 5:30-to 7:30-p.m., and a “sneak peek” at the Coke collectibles in the Herring Building at 2nd and Poplar Streets. In addition, the Coca-Cola Center and Museum will be open at its new location at 207 Chestnut Street.

On Saturday, there’s a “Show, Swap and Sell” event from 9-a.m. until 2-p.m. at the Herring Building, along with a Collectors Showcase. The Annual “Coca-Cola Days” parade begins at 4-p.m., and is open to all individuals and groups, but only the children’s entries will be judged and awarded prizes. Each float must have a tie to the Coca-Cola theme.

Long and short-sleeved tee-shirts are available for purchase to commemorate the event, and, there’s a raffle for a collectible Coca-Cola machine. The event runs today and tomorrow. For more information, call 712-243-3017, or log-on to www.atlanticiowa.com.