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Contact: Dave Bieri, 304-465-6523
NPS photo Glen Jean, West Virginia, July 10, 2015—Discover what life was like in one of the New River Gorge's most renowned towns! Join National Park Service rangers and Operation Lifesaver on Saturday, July 18thfrom 10:00 AM –2:00 PM to explore the historic railroad town of Thurmond and to learn safety tips for rail crossings and along the railroad tracks. The National Park Service at New River Gorge National River, National Coal Heritage Area, the Thurmond Performance Team, and Operation Lifesaver are partnering to sponsor the second annual Thurmond Train Day for visitors of all ages to come and go as you please. Operation Lifesaver will provide educational materials, displays and video presentations that emphasize the value of rail transportation and promote rail safety. Located in all 50 states, Operation Lifesaver raises awareness and improves public safety on and around highway-rail grade crossings and tracks through public awareness and education. Visitors can get their picture taken on an historic railroad handcart while wearing their railroad hats. Thurmond's Railroad Day will also feature historic walking tours that celebrate the rich stories of this historic boomtown and the railroad that built it. Join a ranger for a walking tour of Thurmond's commercial row at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and1:00 PM. Meet at the Thurmond Visitor Center at any of these designated times for this half mile walking tour. This year's event will feature photography workshops for both adults and children. Learn photography tips from a professional photographer and get a chance to take your own photos. Photography workshops will be presented every hour from 10:00 AM to 2:00PM. The event will also feature live music performed by local musicians. John Lilly will perform from 10 AM until noon, and the Lost Cannon Blue Grass Band will perform from noon until 2:00 PM. Finally, join a ranger for the Rend and Railroad Hike from 2:00 PM –4:30 PM. Meet at the Rend Trailhead located on Route 25 near Thurmond for this 3 mile hike that provides an easy stroll along an abandoned branch line of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. The Thurmond Depot Visitor Center is open daily until Labor Day from 10:00 AM –5:00 PM. Park updates will be posted to the park's website at www.nps.gov/neri. You can also find updates on the park's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ |
Last updated: July 17, 2015