‘Train Day’ makes weekend stop at historic St. Albans Depot

Visitors ready to board a replica train at a previous Train Day. This year's event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Photo byCity of St. Albans

ST. ALBANS, W.Va. -- A historic depot in St. Albans will call everyone on board this weekend.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, the annual Train Day celebration takes place on the brick street of the St. Albans Train Depot Historic District on Fourth Avenue.

Built along a section of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O ) Railway in 1906, the St. Albans Depot is part of a neighborhood district listed on the National Register of Historic Places in March 2021.

Saturday’s Train Day, which takes place at the depot from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will celebrate the area’s connection to the railroad.

Volunteers from the Clifton Forge, Va.-based C&O Historical Society will be on-site to greet the public and answer questions. They’ll also showcase their O-scale model train, currently on display at the depot.

“Fueled by our generous volunteers and local community support, the progress being made on the operating layout and new interpretive museum has put life back into the city's one-of-a-kind depot,” representatives with the C&O Historical Society said in a statement. “As trains rumble by, finer details are being added every week to enhance the layout's scenery that represents St. Albans.”

Train Day will feature vendors, train rides and live music from several local bands.Photo byCity of St. Albans

In addition to model trains and tours of the nearby St. Albans Historical Society Museum, Train Day will feature live entertainment, vendors, train rides, and other family-friendly activities, organizers said.

“There will be live music on stage all day and plenty of food and craft vendors,” a statement from the St. Albans Chamber, organizer of Saturday’s Train Day, said.

Local musicians, including Richard Hill, Dave McCormick, Spencer Elliott and Minor Swing are all scheduled to play.

Organizers said the Hoppy Shores Train will provide free rides for adults and kids alike, and children will receive a free train whistle, while supplies last.

“Stop by for a family-friendly day of fun,” the release encourages.

More information on this weekend’s Train Day event is available on Facebook.

Michael Ramsburg is a Kanawha County communities reporter. He can be reached at ramsburgreports@gmail.com or by calling 304-370-3067.