(The following story by John Lindenberger appeared on The North Platte Telegraph website on July 11.)
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — There are only 10 weeks remaining until North Platte celebrates its first-ever railroad appreciation event known as Rail Fest 2007. What started as a quaint little community celebration is quickly attracting national attention.
As interest grows, the list of events and activities for this three-day event is growing accordingly. Sponsored by the Original Town Association, Rail Fest 2007 will take place Sept. 22-23 at North Platte’s Cody Park.
Dave Harrold, chairman of the Original Town Association, said railroad suppliers and other enthusiasts that he talks to are amazed at the scope of this event because it is something typically seen only in metropolitan areas.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for North Platte,” Harrold said.
The event is expected to draw about 5,000 participants. Harrold said he has received calls from people as far away as California inquiring about the event. There is also a lot of interest from people in Kansas and Missouri.
In addition, Harrold said the event will feature a number of vendors, some from as far away as Texas and Wisconsin. The event is also gaining momentum among local sponsors as word about the event spreads.
Harrold said they are already planning on making Rail Fest an annual event to support ongoing revitalization efforts on the north side of town. For railroad enthusiasts, he feels this could become the Sturgis of Nebraska.
The idea for Rail Fest started back in June. Harrold credits Ken Bible of Midwest Screen Printing with the idea of organizing a community celebration to honor Union Pacific Railroad and its employees.
Harrold said they also wanted an event for railroad enthusiasts from around the nation. The third purpose is to help raise funds for the Original Town Association to help revitalize the north side of town.
As they tossed around the idea, Harrold said it seemed natural to get UPRR involved in the event. He noted it took a while to get connected to the right people, but when they did, the response and support was overwhelming.
While organizers proposed a broad scope that would encompass the entire company, Harrold said UPRR officials wanted the event to focus on the local employees to let them know how important they are to the company.
“Once you get that kind of support, then a lot of other little railroad things start to happen,” Harrold said.
The list of activities for Rail Fest continues to grow. The event will include a car and motorcycle show as well as a strongman competition and live music. Operation Lifesaver will provide train rides for up to 900 people per day.
Other highlights of the event include mini train rides, an interactive train simulator, locomotive displays, tours of Bailey Yard and even a hiring fair for UPRR. Tours of the training facilities at NPCC are also planned.
Most of the events will take place at Cody Park, and buses will be available to transport people to some of the events in other parts of the community. Most of the park roads will be closed off except for one route through the park.
Harrold said the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce has also been very supportive of this event.
“They understand and believe that the success of this event over the years will help sustain the continued growth on the north side,” he added.
In addition to UPRR and the Chamber, Harrold said the cooperation and support from the city of North Platte has helped make this event possible. He noted these three agencies have provided a “platform of success,” and now it is up to the community to take advantage of it.
“And if we’re not going to invite people, somebody else will,” Harrold said.
For more information about Rail Fest 2007, go online to www.nprailfest.com.