TRAIN FEST 2004 to Attract Thousands to See and Ride Heritage Trains

The Dennison Railroad Museum, in cooperation with the Ohio Central Railroad, will celebrate its 15th Anniversary with TRAIN FEST 2004, the largest railroad heritage event of the year. TRAIN FEST 2004 will be a Festival of Trains celebrating in grand style the great railroading heritage of Ohio and the United States. Excursion trains, pulled by giant restored steam locomotives, will traverse east-central Ohio, offering thousands of visitors a chance to ride in the grand style of yesteryear. Trips are planned between Dennison and Columbus, Pittsburgh and elsewhere.

On July 30, 2004, the three-day extravaganza will begin in the hills of East-Central Ohio. Those thousands of visitors will experience railroading as it was in the past and how it is today. There will be several dozen pieces of railroad equipment, including historic steam locomotives, vintage and modern diesel locomotives, rare passenger coaches, a miniature live-steam railroad, model trains, food, games, fun and a whole lot more for the entire family.

The main attractions for the event will be three of the largest operating steam locomotives in North America, pulling excursions to and from the event. These coal-burning steel monsters weigh over 800,000 pounds each, are 100 feet long, and are capable running at speeds of 90 mph. At least five steam locomotives are scheduled to operate at TRAIN FEST 2004 along with 10 vintage and modern diesel locomotives, and two-dozen passenger cars.

TRAIN FEST 2004 will be held in the history-rich village of Dennison, Ohio, a long-time "railroad town" located on today's Ohio Central Railroad. Dennison is located 90 miles from Columbus, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, making Dennison an ideal location for a festival of this nature, with more than 30 million people living within a two-hour drive. TRAIN FEST 2004 has the potential to bring thousands of railroad and history buffs as well as families to the area for this big event. Excursion trains will depart each day from Columbus and Pittsburgh for Dennison, bringing more than 2,500 people to TRAIN FEST 2004. One hour-long steam powered excursions will also be operating throughout the festival.

What: Three Day Train Festival celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Dennison Railroad Museum showcasing railroading, past and present, to families and railroad enthusiasts.

When: July 30, 2004, to August 1, 2004

Where: TRAIN FEST 2004 will be held in Downtown Dennison, Ohio, on 25 acres around the Museum.

How Much: General admission price will be $12.00/adult and $8.00/child (4-12) 3 and under free. A one-hour train ride will cost $15.00/adult and $12.00/child (4-12) 3 and under free