October 5: coincides with Rock Shrimp Festival, Train departs at noon, 2pm, 4pm
October 12: coincides with Build a Scarecrow and Railroad Days, Train departs at 10am, noon, 2pm, 4 pm
ST. MARYS, GA-In alliance with St. Marys Little Theatre and Theatre by the Trax, St. Marys Railroad's latest venture, "St. Marys Express," is set to make its debut with three excursions on October 5, and four excursions on October 12.
The first "Great Pumpkin Express" will leave Theatre by the Trax at noon on October 5, giving attendees of the St. Marys Kiwanis Rock Shrimp Festival an even greater incentive to join in this year's festivities. Guests may ride on one of three open-air railcars or in the caboose. Locomotive rides will also be available for train enthusiasts who desire an even more up-close rail experience.
Traveling through woodlands and marsh vistas, The Great Pumpkin Express will turn around at a midway point near the intersection of Highway 40 and St. Marys Road. Along the way, passengers will learn about the history and romance of the railroad through a live narration and be entertained by actors from St. Marys Little Theatre. Passengers will also be warned about the Zombie crossing as the train nears the midway point where a pumpkin patch, a hobo camp, and unpredictable scarecrows await them.
St. Marys Mayor, Bill Deloughy, said that an attraction of this caliber will help boost tourism for the area as well as provide opportunities for families to enjoy a pastime few people have experienced.
"I'm told that fewer than 6 percent of the population of America have ever ridden a train," Deloughy said. "We're proud that St. Marys has been chosen as the embarkation point for such a great adventure. I'm looking forward to sharing this train experience with my own grandson."
Deloughy will have plenty of opportunities to travel into yesteryear with his grandson as St. Marys Express is already looking into future excursions that include the Santa Express (November 23, 30 and December 7; an "Out of this World" excursion to coincide with Mardi Gras Festival's theme on March 1, Wild West Express and Pirates Alive Express (dates to be determined); the Peter Cottontail Express scheduled for around Easter time, and America's Birthday Express to coincide with St. Marys' Independence Day Celebration.
Katherine Marsh, spokesperson for Boatright Companies, owners of St. Marys Railroad, sees the St. Marys Express as a way of giving back to the community.
"It is our pleasure to create a new brand, the St. Marys Express, that is sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages," Marsh said. "The themed train excursions will be something that can be shared by families and at the same time will fuel the legacy of one of America's most revered forms of transportation."
Boatright Companies is investing in a new locomotive, three open-air railcars, and a caboose for the St. Marys Express.
The Great Pumpkin Express train excursions depart at noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm on October 5, and at 10 am, noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm on October 12.
All St. Marys Express excursions will begin at Theatre by the Trax in St. Marys. Open-air railcar tickets for The Great Pumpkin Express are $17 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under. Kids under two ride for free. Caboose and locomotive rides are priced separately (limited space available). Tickets can be purchased at www.stmarysrailroad.com. Each excursion lasts for about one and one half hours. For more information, call 912-200-5235.
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