CLIFTON FORGE, VA (LOOTPRESS) – The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society (C&OHS) is thrilled to announce the return of the George Washington Train Show, a winter fundraising event, to the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia.
Scheduled for Saturday, March 2, from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday, March 3, from 12 PM to 4 PM, the event promises a weekend filled with railway history, model trains, presentations, exhibits, and more at three prominent Clifton Forge locations.
Harkening back to the pre-pandemic era, the George Washington Train Show is set to take over Clifton Forge with activities for all ages at the C&O Railway Heritage Center, Clifton Forge Fire Department, and Mountain Gateway Community College in Warren Hall Auditorium.
Despite facing increased expenses since the last event, the C&O Historical Society has maintained the admission fee at an affordable $5.00, granting attendees access to the comprehensive C&O Railway Heritage Center museum.
In the weeks leading up to the event, diligent preparations have been underway at the Clifton Forge museum campus, including updates to the onsite Depot Gift Shop, offering visitors a chance to explore and purchase historical gifts and models without incurring shipping costs.
The two-day extravaganza boasts a lineup of attractions, including the operation of the C&O Historical Society’s O-scale layout showcasing large-scale model trains representing the C&O Railway’s historic route.
Furthermore, presentations by C&OHS contributors will delve into various subjects at Mountain Gateway Community College, while a new railroad photo exhibit featuring Chessie the Railroad Kitten will grace the museum.
Additional highlights include N-Scale Layout demonstrations by Dale Perry, Operation Lifesaver’s railroad safety exhibition, and a kid-friendly interactive layout presented by the Roanoke Valley Model Railroaders.
Attendees can also anticipate door prizes, tasty offerings from the Clifton Forge Little League concession trailer, and a special Train Drawing Workshop hosted by the Clifton Forge School of the Arts.
Brandy Dudley, a longstanding C&O Historical Society employee, expressed excitement about the event’s return to its traditional format, spanning multiple venues and accommodating additional vendors.
Dudley highlighted the utilization of both the C&O Railway Heritage Center and the Clifton Forge Fire Department, emphasizing that the $5 admission fee grants access to both locations, replete with vendors, speakers, food, exhibits, and shopping opportunities.
For inquiries, interested individuals can contact 540-862-2210 or email brandy@cohsorg.
The C&O Railway Heritage Center, located at 705 Main Street, Clifton Forge, VA, operates Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Updates and information about the C&O Historical Society can be found on Facebook (@cohs.org) and Instagram (@ChessiesRoad), while the archive database is accessible online at archives.cohs.org.