JAMESTOWN, Calif. – California State Parks, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (SHP) and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation are proud to present the 5th Annual “Working on the Railroad – A Celebration of Sierra Railway Workers” on Saturday, September 15, 2018. The special event was created to recognize and honor the hundreds of former Sierra Railway and Sierra Railroad workers, their descendants and family members.
New this year, the “Working on the Railroad” event will explore the lore and legend of railroading through song and early film. With the event running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests should be prepared to run across barbershop singers of the Stockton Portsmen Chorus throughout the Park and on the train as they perform harmonious renditions of the songs of railroading that have become the soundtrack of the American romance of the rails. The Stockton Portman non-profit organization works to bring music and entertainment to local schools. Also featured will be a small display that features the history and life of the Conductor. Plus, a special screening of “The General” (a comedy from 1926 featuring Buster Keaton) will take place at 1 p.m. in the Carriage Room.
Designed to celebrate all the workers who built, maintained and operated the railroad, the interpretive event is focused on sharing information about the workers who practiced their trades, their job duties and who they were as individuals and community members. Interested visitors with a past connection to the Sierra Railway are encouraged to bring photos and documents to the Park so copies can be made and added to the collection.
In addition, steam train rides behind Sierra No. 3® will be available that day departing at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets for the weekend excursion train rides cost $15 for adults, $10 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children five and under. All train ride tickets include Park admission and are available for advance purchase online as well as at the ticket window beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the ride (based on availability). Railtown 1897 SHP admission only costs are as follows: $5 for adults, $3 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children five and under.