Fullerton’s annual Railroad Days celebration rolls into the old Santa Fe
station on April 30 and May 1.
Sponsored by Amtrak with participation from Disneyland, BNSF Railways and the Carolwood Foundation, the latter preserving Walt Disney’s railroad legacy, visitors to the event are entrenched in railroad culture.
“We are expecting 30,000 people throughout the weekend,” Harold Benash, president of Southern California Railway Plaza Association, said.
2016 brings new attractions to Fullerton, two 1949 vintage Union Pacific lounge cars. A UP 500, a Lunch Counter-Diner-Lounge car and UP 6101, a dormitory-lounge car have been added
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour these cars that have been restored to their original character.
The tours are provided by the Railroad Operations Committee (ROC) members. Reservations are not required and the tours are free.
This year 13 independently-operated exhibitors will display their miniature scale track set ups.
These exhibitors are genuine enthusiasts of railroad culture. They take every bit of detail about rail history into consideration and bring it to life for families to enjoy.
Children and adults alike will walk away with an appreciation of our rail system due the vast knowledge each operator provides.
Thousands of dollars and hours have been spent in order to give the attendees a jaw-dropping look into their railing heritage.
Several vendors and merchants will be in attendance including Solar City and Disney. Food and drinks are available with six food vendors on site and medical and security staff will be present.
Admission is free for Railroad Days 2016 but donations can be left inside boxes at the entrance. These donations help fund various projects and charitable functions that the SCRPA organization maintains.
Benash has been working behind the scenes in order to make this year’s event just as stellar as the past. Many families in Fullerton and the surrounding communities look forward each year to celebrating the history of our railways.
“It’s a lot of hard work,” Benash said, “It’s worth it, it’s great to see the wonder and excitement.”