Web posted
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Train festival needs help
By SYDNEY BLAND
Action! Editor
action@arkcity.net
The first Cowley County Railroad Heritage Days event has been scheduled for April 19-20, at Wilson Park in Arkansas City.
Mock railroad signs specifically constructed for the event have been erected in various locations in Ark City to serve as reminders for not only the event, but also of the sights and sounds of the past and present railroading industry so dominant in Ark City.
Appropriately, a Thomas the Train moon bounce will be on hand, as well as other games and craft activities for the kids. A mini-model train show and railroad fun fact story boards will be interspersed throughout the park for viewing. There will be no admission charged to attend this portion of the event.
Donnie Huffman and Band and the Walnut River String Band will be providing railroad-themed music.
Reservations are still being accepted for the Railroaders' Reunion, which is planned for the evening of April 19, at the Best Western Atrium Garden in Ark City. The reunion will include a meal prepared by the Landing Strip Restaurant. Local author Robert Collins will tell some railroad tales and Evan Stair, leader of the Northern Flyer Alliance initiative, will present more details on the plan to bring passenger rail service back to Cowley County. Tickets for the evening's events are $12 and may be reserved by calling (620) 442-0236 or e-mailing: ac-cvb@arkcitychamber.org.
Other communities participating in the celebration of railroading are Atlanta, Burden and Dexter. An authentic Harvey House luncheon can be enjoyed on April 19, at the Gathering Place in Dexter and the Senior Center in Atlanta. The Atlanta "Caboose" Museum will be open and the Burden Museum will be open for visitors to enjoy historical photographs. T-shirts will be available commemorating the first annual event.
For more information or to volunteer, call the Arkansas City Convention and Visitors Bureau at (620) 442-0236 or the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, (620) 442-6750 or email csm@arkansascityks.gov.
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