Alert - Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Kicks Off 2011 Season

HISTORIC CLUB CARS AND ROBUST CONCERT SERIES AMONG UNIQUE OFFERINGS

WHAT: The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad kicks off its 2011 summer season on Friday, May 27 with a special ceremony to induct the recently restored, historic Mardi Gras and Calumet Club cars into its fleet. The cars are from The City of New Orleans train that ran from Chicago to New Orleans from the 1940s until the 1970s and inspired Steve Goodman’s famous song “City of New Orleans.”

The celebration takes place from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. and will include remarks, refreshments a 30-minute club car ride.

WHEN: Friday, May 27, 2011; 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Schedule of Events
7:30 a.m. – Welcome Reception – Refreshments
7:45 a.m. – Opening Remarks
8:00 a.m. – Remarks from special guests
8:15 a.m. – Christening of the cars
8:20 a.m. – Club car tour departs (approximately 30 minute ride)

WHERE: Rio Grande Scenic Railroad; 610 State Ave., Alamosa, Colo. 80101; 877.726.RAIL

WHAT ELSE: In addition to the club cars, The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad will offer a number of unique excursion opportunities throughout the season including:
• Mountain Rails Live Summer Concerts, June 17 – Sep. 25, features a variety of local and regional musicians
• Dinner Domeliner (June 18 – Sept. 3), offers a three course meal with white linen service on Saturday nights
• Steam engine trips, (June 15 – August 18), unique trips from Alamosa to Antonito or Monte Vista
• Rails & Ales Brewfest (July 2), sample beers from 20 regional breweries at a remote mountain location
• Photo Spectacular, (August 22-23), first-ever photo opportunity excursion over the La Veta pass

ABOUT: The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad conducts fun, nostalgic and entertainment-filled train excursions through one of the most beautiful and historic areas of the Rocky Mountain region. Founded in 1878 as the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, it played a critical role in the region’s development for decades and today provides memorable trips from Alamosa to the Spanish Peaks and the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad will host numerous special events during 2011, including a summer concert series onboard the trains, the Rails & Ales Brewfest, special steam trains to Antonito and Monte Vista, Saturday evening dinner trains, a Photo Spectacular excursion, and much more. The Rio Grande’s sister railways include the Mount Hood Railroad in the Columbia River Gorge, the Copper Spike Train in Arizona, the Saratoga and North Creek Railroad in New York State and the West Texas Polar Express™ and charter excursions with High Iron Travel. For more information, visit www.riograndescenicrailroad.com.


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