18th Manassas Railway Festival, June 2, 10 AM to 4 PM

As an Old Town Manassas resident and rail advocate, who has witnessed  a booming increase in VRE and Amtrak passenger rail locally, I recommend that everyone, both the young and young-at-heart, consider attending the "18th Manassas Railway Festival" on Sat, June 2, 10 AM to 4 PM. 

This family-friendly event has no admission charge and has something for everyone: 20 vendors, elaborate train displays, rail advocacy group displays, antique farm equipment, entertainment (Idle Time Band, Nicholls Brothers, Folsom Prisoners), all celebrating one the nation's greatest transportation contributions. 

The most alluring attractions are the scenic VRE excursion rides, affordably priced at $5 per person, to Clifton and back.  Trains leave at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 Noon, and 1 PM.  To insure a space on a train, buy tickets, in advance, at the Manassas Visitor Center located at the Manassas Train Station and open daily, 9 AM to 5 PM.

As an added treat, at 12:39, Amtrak's Northeast Regional Train 156 arrives in Manassas, bringing riders from Charlottesville and Lynchburg (and from Roanoke and VA Tech/Blacksburg via the new Smart Way Amtrak Connector Bus) and heading for New York City.

For more information, please contact Sarah McHugh (703-361-6599) at the Visitor Center (www.visitmanassas.org).