In the tiny town of Bristol, Florida located in Liberty County, Florida’s smallest county (by population) the local railroad club will run their 7th Annual Winter Wonderland Express. The 2010 season marks the first year the train rides will depart from the New Railroad Depot and Railroad Museum.
BRISTOL, Fla. — Veterans Memorial Railroad Club announces the 7th Annual “WINTER WONDERLAND EXPRESS” two-foot gauge train rides in Bristol, Florida at the Veterans’ Memorial Park, beginning Saturday, December 11, 2010 after the “Lights of Liberty” Christmas Parade.
The Veteran’s Memorial Park is located on County Road 12 at Theo Jacobs Lane, less than 1 mile south of the intersection of Highway 20 and County Road 12 in Bristol, Florida.
The red, white and blue diesel replica is scheduled to run six (6) nights for families in the community and surrounding areas. The 1952 restored Crown coal-fired steam locomotive will also run on two of the scheduled nights as a special attraction for those who like to ride the “real thing,” a 1/3 size steam engine, the only live steam locomotive operating in a public park in Florida.
“This year, the Winter Wonderland Express route of one mile through the park will be bigger and better than ever” says Tom Keenan, Chief Engineer, Secretary-Treasurer. “The decorations throughout the park are being prepared by local businesses, county offices and other volunteers. Many new scenes and lighted sites are being designed and installed. Local churches are participating in The Live Nativity Scene and Santa’s Work Shop each night.”
“In a little town like Bristol it is a real feat to have an operating locomotive for the area to enjoy,” states Keenan, “in fact, this year we expect the Winter Wonderland Express to draw families from our local community, as well as Tallahassee, which is 45 miles west of Bristol, Panama City and even as far away as Jacksonville.”
The cost to ride the Winter Wonderland Express is $3.00. Children under 5 are free, but must be accompanied by an Adult.
The Winter Wonderland Express Train Schedule
Saturday, December 11, 2010 following the Liberty County Christmas Parade (which begins at 6:00 P.M.)
Nightly beginning Friday, December 17 through Tuesday, December 21. The first ride of each night begins at 6:30 P.M.
On Saturday December 18, 2010 and Tuesday December 21, 2010 the 1952 restored Crown Steam Train will be featured.
About The Veteran’s Memorial Railroad
The Veterans Memorial Railroad was begun in 2001 when a group of local persons, who were interested in both railroading and community service, banded together to build a park riding train.
The railroad opened for runs in December 2002. There is no public money used in building or operating the railroad. Funding has come from club activities such as railroad tie sales and memorabilia sales, as well as loans from club members. In addition, the railroad has become a popular activity for birthday parties and family reunions. To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Railroad visit our web site: http://www.veteransmemorialrailroad.org.
Media Contact:
Gloria Keenan
850-643-6466
gkeenan@fairpoint.net
http://www.veteransmemorialrailroad.org
Press release courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/gSsHdr