Local railroad history will come to life May 25 at Elmira's Eldridge Park for Train Day

If you played with model trains growing up, or if you've ever stared in wonder and admiration while watching a train roll through the countryside, you'll want to be at Elmira's Eldridge Park on May 25.

The Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society and the Chemung Valley Railway Historical Society are once again teaming up to present the second Train Day at the park, after deeming last year's inaugural event a success.

The free event will take place from noon to 6 p.m., and will feature an exhibit by railcar manufacturer CAF USA, an Erie Railroad boxcar exhibit, operating model trains, and local historical societies, along with food trucks and other vendors, and live music provided by Doc Possum at 5 p.m.

"It's a good community event, easy on the wallet, fun and educational at the same time," said Rob Piecuch, president and cofounder of the Chemung Valley Railway Historical Society. "We're hoping for good weather and hope for a good turnout."

Train Day also coincides with opening weekend of the rides and attractions at Eldridge Park for the season.

The Railway Historical Society has been working for several years to restore the old Erie Railroad boxcar so it can be a regular exhibit open to the public, Piecuch said.

The boxcar was open to a limited extent during last year's Train Day, but this time, with the inside of the car more cleaned up and presentable, there will be more of a focus on the car, including an operating model train setup, he said.

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This year also marks the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the first Erie Railroad train into Elmira on Oct. 2, 1849. That anniversary will be noted later in the year, Piecuch said.

For more information, go to chemungvalleyrailway.org, or eldridgepark.org.

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