DULUTH, Ga. — The Southeastern Railway Museum will host a series of special events during 2017, including a classic car show, a weekend featuring trucks and tractors and celebrations of Halloween and Christmas.
The museum, Georgia’s Official Transportation History Museum, is home to roughly 90 pieces of vintage railroad equipment on a 35-acre site. Train rides aboard vintage cabooses are included in regular admission.
Here is a look at this year’s special events:
Caboose Days, April 1-2
The Southeastern Railway Museum will celebrate cabooses and the crews that called them home during Caboose Days to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 1-2. The two-day event will feature temporary caboose tattoos, food, vendors and $2 rides on the museum’s restored antique handcar. The museum is home to more than a half-dozen vintage cabooses, including wood cabooses built in 1915 and 1916. Guests will also have the opportunity ride in a caboose around the museum on a train pulled by a vintage locomotive.
Fast Track 5K, May 27
The Southeastern Railway Museum and the city of Duluth will host the third annual Fast Track 5K this Memorial Day weekend. This year’s race steps off at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 27, in downtown Duluth. Pre-race activities start at 7 a.m. All runners will receive a T-shirt, and participants and spectators are encouraged to dress in patriotic attire. The race is a USA Track & Field certified event and is a Peachtree Road Race certified pre-qualifier. Registration is $25 until May 19 and $30 starting May 20. To register, log onto tinyurl.com/FT5K2017.
2017 Locomotive Celebration, June 10-11
The Southeastern Railway Museum will celebrate its vintage locomotive collection from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 10-11. In addition to the museum’s regular exhibits, there will be demonstrations of vintage whistles, and docents in period attire will highlight the museum’s collection of more than a dozen steam and diesel-electric locomotives. The museum will offer free admission to railroad workers and their families with either a work identification or a brotherhood card.
Trains, Trucks & Tractors, Aug. 4-6
The Southeastern Railway Museum will host an assortment of trains, trucks, tractors and other vehicles during its “Trains, Trucks & Tractors” event scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 4-6. Participants include Cumming Antique Power Association members, who will display a range of antique tractors. The event will also feature hayrides, and food will be available for guests to purchase. The special visiting exhibits and other activities are included in regular museum admission, while $2 rides on the museum’s restored antique handcar will be available.
Classics at the Crossing, Oct. 21
Vintage cars will descend on the Southeastern Railway Museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 21 for the museum’s fourth annual “Classics at the Crossing” car show. Car owners interested in participating in the show can register on the museum’s website for $15 per vehicle. A hardcopy of the registration form may be scanned and emailed to the museum or returned on the day of the show. The car show is included in regular museum admission.
2017 Model Railroad Days, Nov. 4-5
The Southeastern Railway Museum will host an assortment of visiting model railroad layouts from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Nov. 4-5. The special layouts are included in regular museum admission.
Train or Treat, Oct. 28
The Southeastern Railway Museum will celebrate Halloween during “Train or Treat” from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 28. Attendees 12 years and older are encouraged to participate in a costume contest. In addition to the museum’s regular exhibits, guests will be invited to trick or treat at decorated stations around the museum, take wagon rides and enjoy fall-themed refreshments. Also, $2 rides on the museum’s restored antique handcar will be offered.
Polar Express Experience, November/December
The Southeastern Railway Museum will host its popular “Polar Express Experience” this December. Additional details about the event, including specific dates, will be announced. Tickets are expected to go on sale on or about Sept. 1.
For more information, visit southeasternrailwaymuseum.org.