Our Third Annual Ice Cream Train
Our third annual Ice Cream Train was run on Friday night June 13th to crowds that exceeded our wildest expectations. The combination of a light breeze, moderate temperature and an overcast sky made the conditions nearly perfect for the event.
The train was scheduled to run in the evening from 6 till 8 but visitors started to wander in about 5:30. By 5:45 there was at least a full train-load of people on the platform so the call was made to back the train to the platform and start running.
The train was scheduled to run in the evening from 6 till 8 but visitors started to wander in about 5:30. By 5:45 there was at least a full train-load of people on the platform so the call was made to back the train to the platform and start running.
The steady, heavy stream of people required us to limit the number of people on the loading platform so de-boarding passengers had the room to exit and head for the ice cream table.
Two of our volunteers were scooping out the frozen treat and gave visitors a choice of vanilla or chocolate.
The the length of the line for the train continued to grow along the side of our museum building, at times almost out the the front of the museum building.
Our crossing flagmen had to stay diligent as the train passed back and forth in front of the museum.
Train after train departed the station full or nearly full for the entire duration of the event. We generally only see crowds like this when there is one of the large city festivals going on in Shappell Park.
Our last train left the station shortly after 8pm. We hosted 490 riders in a little over 2 hours.
After the volunteers got all the benches, tables and signs put away; and the trash collected and set out for pick-up, the group took a private ride on the little train as darkness was falling. Then it was put away in the car barn till our next open house on Saturday, July 12th. We hope to see you there!
