Weekend Events: All Aboard For Train Day
Cary, NC – Saturday May 11, 2013 marks the second year that NC Amtrak has chosen the Cary Depot as the location for their area National Train Day celebration. Approximately 1000 folks attended last year, and Cary is now the model for other such celebrations throughout the nation in Amtrak’s move to small town centers rather than big city celebrations.
Cary Train Day
This year the celebration will increase in scope. Here’s a sneak peek:
The day kicks off at 10am with our own Cary Town Band playing selections from their Planes, Trains & Automobiles repertoire as the Amtrak Carolinian train # 80 arrives just after 10:02 AM, bringing guests and visitors to Downtown.
There will be food stalls, crafts for the kids from Cary Creative Center, free train whistles (look for the Heart of Cary booth!) and music provided by the Motley Tones (a local Pirate Band) and the Backporch String Band.
Kids Actvities
Chuggington Station will have 6 stations of interactive learning displays. The Cary Creative Center will be engaging kids in train related crafts. The National Model Railroad Association will setup a train display inside the station and answer railroading questions. Walthers Corporation will provide a train display and sales table of model train stock and accessories. There will be facepainting and balloon art for all.
While supplies last, all children (kids- not adults!) can receive a free wooden train whistle courtesy of Amtrak. Last year these were very popular.
Activities at Historic Page-Walker
A trackless train will take attendees back and forth between the Cary Train Depot and historic Page-Walker all day. The Arts and History Center was originally built by town founder Frank Page as a railroad hotel. On Train day tours will be conducted in period costume.
More Events Downtown on Saturday
The Cary Farmers Market will be open at 301 South Academy Street (like every Saturday) from 8am- 12:30pm with an array of fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and plants.
Later in the day the Ritmo Latino Festival returns to downtown for the second year. More food, music and salsa dancing for the entire family. Plans include 7 music bands and 12 dance groups from different countries. Visitors can participate in free Zumba lessons and a soccer clinic offered by the Carolina RailHawks.
Event Info
National Train Day Celebration
Saturday, May 11, 2013
10 AM- 2 PM
Cary Amtrak Station
211 North Academy Street
Cary, NC 27513
Cost: Free
More Weekend Events
See the CaryCitizen Calendar of Events for more weekend happenings.
Related
- Transit Phone Apps for Cary
- Editor’s Journal: Amtrak Dinner at The Matthews House
- Pictures: Cary Train Day 2012
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Downtown coverage on CaryCitizen is sponsored in part by Studio 180 Salon, 312 W Chatham St. in downtown Cary.
UPDATE – the model railroad train displays will be at the Page-Walker instead of the depot to allow them more space.
Unofficial Proofreader alert: The Page-Walker hotel was built by Cary’s founder Allison Francis “Frank” Page (not by his son Walter Hines Page).
Also, another activity at the Page-Walker on Saturday (thanks to collaboration with the Heart of Cary Association) will be model trains!
I hope everyone comes downtown and visits the Cary Depot and the Page-Walker and the other venues downtown.
I thought it was Frank, but went with what our writer said. She will be thrown in the brig.