By Monty Siekerman
Wilson employees unload an assembly line at the Ada Railroad Depot on Friday morning in preparation for the Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival on Saturday.

Festival goers may purchase a football for $75 and watch it be made. One purchase per person, only 60 balls will be made.

The sale begins at 11 a.m. inside the Depot with the actual making of the balls under the big tent beginning at 1 p.m. Those who purchase a ball may write a message on the inside with a marker.

The outside of the ball has ‘Wilson” and “Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival” on the outside. The assembly line will include four people: a sewer, a turner, a lacer, and a molder.

This is the set up Wilson takes to the Super Bowl every year which is a popular attraction for those who attend the big game. There are several steps to making a ball.

Those who purchase a ball will be given four panels, which are then sewn together. Then, the ball is turned, a bladder inserted, it’s laced, and finally inflated.
For a full schedule of Festival events, click here.