Railroad Fair in Helena April 17

Here’s what Dan Stinson had to say in the Clark Fork Chronicle about the upcoming Helena Railroad Fair:

It’s springtime in the Northern Rockies, and once again a youth’s fancy turns to . . . Trains! Once again, as they have for 31 years, men and women of all ages will gather April 17 at the Helena Civic Center in Helena, Montana, for the 31st Annual Helena Railroad Fair.

This year, in deference to the traditions of Easter, the show will occur on the 17th of April. Once more, as they have for decades, young and old alike will gather to buy, sell, swap, show and enjoy trains of all sizes and kinds. Doors will open at 9:30 and remain until about 4. Admission is still only $3 for adults and under 12 are free.

There will be BIG trains, little trains, whimsical trains like Thomas and trains so real you’ll swear you can smell the hot valve oil. There will be books, toys, models, photos, paperwork of all kinds, railroad china and silverware, collectibles and tinplate. There will be operating trains, trains to watch and people to talk with about trains and other transportation related equipment.

The Helena Railroad Fair is one of the oldest and certainly the largest of such gatherings in the Inland Northwest and Northern Rockies, drawing vendors from across Montana, from Sidney to Kalispell, from Conrad to Dillon, and from as far away as Washington, Colorado, Utah and beyond.

You don’t need an excuse to come to this celebration of steel wheel on steel rail. You don’t need to bring your lunch either, as the wonderful ladies who provide the concessions will return once again with their various delights.

If that isn’t enough, be sure to register for the train set given away to one lucky winner.

This gathering only happens once a year in Helena, drawing people from all across the region. The show is generally the last Sunday in April and is scheduled through 2014. But you don’t want to wait until then, do you? Come join us this year, and bring your memories and your sense of adventure.

For more information, contact Helena Railroad Fair, PO Box 4914, Helena, MT 59604-4914, or email rrfair@mt.net.