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Louise McLaughlin
Contact: Dave Bieri, 304-465-2516 Glen Jean, West Virginia—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 16th from 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 third 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. This year's event will feature plenty of activities for children. The Center for Railway Tourism will provide several activities for kids including stories, activities, and fun things to learn about trains. They will also present read aloud programs at 11:00 and 1:00. All kid's attending the event will be able to participate in an art activity and will have an opportunity to earn a special Historic Preservation Junior Ranger badge. Kids can also get their picture taken on an historic railroad handcart and will receive a framed photo to take home. 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, and 1:00 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 live music by the Duffy Boyd Band from 10:00 through 2:00. 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 iformation and tools to help plan a visit are also oline at www.nps.gov/neri, www.nps.gov/gari,and www.nps.gov/blue. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 412 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparks |
Last updated: July 8, 2016