Hundreds of train enthusiasts of all ages descended on downtown Orrville on August 13 when the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society presented Orrville Railroad Day as part of the CenturyLink Orrville Rib and Music Fest.
Train lovers took the opportunity to ride trains of all shapes and sizes as volunteers hosted short train rides on the societys restored locomotive and passenger cars, track trains, hand cars and even a large model train.
Visitors to the museum complex also viewed the extensive display of railroad memorabilia and model trains housed in the restored Orrville Union Depot and learned more about railroad safety through the Operation Lifesaver display.
Founded in the late 1970s, the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to preserve the railroad heritage of the area for present and future generations.
In addition to operating a museum complex in the old Orrville Union Depot in downtown Orrville and hosting special events such as Orrville Railroad Day, the Jumpin Pumpkin Jamboree Oct. 22 and the Holidays at the Depot open houses during the holiday season, the organization also runs a series of rail excursions with its restored 471 locomotive and passenger coaches.
The next excursion, known as the Fall Foliage Circle Trip, is scheduled for Oct. 8 and includes a full day excursion to Medina to view the beautiful fall colors. The organization will also host its annual Riding With Santa round trip excursion to Lodi Nov. 19, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3.
For more information on the work of the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society, log on at orrvillerailroad.com.
