If you are a railfan, most likely you’ve heard about the upcoming National Train Day festivities – provided you aren’t living under a rock or something. In the past, I admit that I’ve made a few cracks about this somewhat recently-established “holiday.” Amtrak declaring a particular day National Train Day almost seems to me as silly as Hallmark declaring a “send your loved-one a card or you don’t really love them” day (which in some circles may also be known as Valentine’s Day). Thankfully, the National Train Day celebration does in fact coincide with a bit of history – namely the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad in the US on May 10th (and as everybody knows, the railroads built this country). But with events to be held in Grand Central Terminal this year, I’m thinking National Train Day is really going to be an awesome event, and certainly worth attending.

In addition to seeing some pretty cool trains (and I’ve heard some interesting rumors…), all the foamers can also foam at Rosario Dawson, whom the Twitterverse has reminded me is totally relevant because she was in some movie about trains (I guess Denzel Washington was already booked, and marginally less foam-worthy). So be sure to mark your calendars for May 12, the Saturday date for National Train Day’s celebration this year. Events will begin at 11 AM and carry on until 4PM. In addition to Ms. Dawson, Amtrak’s 40th Anniversary exhibit train will be making an appearance – chock full of historical memorabilia.

As I know many of you, my devoted readers, will certainly be attending this event, I thought perhaps a get-together should be in order. Anybody want to meet up, grab a meal afterwards, or something of that nature? Drop me a comment, or send me an email at info@iridetheharlemline.com.

5 Responses

  1. Backshophoss says:

    GCT gets to host the 40th Anniversary Train and a couple of
    private cars that were part of the”Great Steel Fleet” that New York
    Central boasted about and possibly part of the 20th Century Limited.
    You’re getting the best show on National train Day!

    I live too far away to get back to GCT for this event ,enjoy.

  2. Heather says:

    I’m pretty much 90% sure I’m going :)

  3. Otto Vondrak says:

    Looking forward to this, I heard Amtrak is bringing all sorts of special surprises for the day. I’m planning on being there… Thinking some clam chowder at the Oyster Bar is in order afterwards. Anyone game?

    • Emily says:

      I’d be down with that… I’ve never been there, actually. Was going to suggest that right from the beginning, but wasn’t sure if it would be out of people’s price ranges. *shrugs*

  4. Otto Vondrak says:

    I never get anything more expensive than the New England clam chowder :-)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *