The Shadow
On Saturday, June 10, the C&O Railway Heritage Festival brought in a massive crowd that kicked off their 2-day-long event, and there was certainly a lot to see.
For starters, there was a T-shirt station at the entry which housed many different styles and sizes for everyone. The gift shop doors were open, allowing visitors to shop while they cooled down in the air-conditioned building, several vendors, games for children, a chance to board one of their trains and a children’s ride, where kids could take a cruise on a train of a much smaller scale.
Next to the gift shop, Caleb Roden and Colby Lowry, president and vice-president, respectively, of the JMU Model Railroading and Diorama Club, set up a train table under a tent that displayed the models they’d created by hand in just three short days. During those three days, Lowry said, “We worked about four hours every day, so about 12 hours, maybe closer to 15 even.” The impressive display was made of plywood and cardboard, among other materials.
A long walk down the path of vendors, face-painting and a gentleman selling rare lanterns, the Alleghany Humane Society had a spot out of the sun for four of their dogs to sprawl out and meet guests. Andra Fridley, who is on the board of directors, said, “We brought the four dogs out to meet the public and meet-and-greet; get to spend some time in the fresh air and sunshine. We’ve had several people who’ve taken forms and have expressed interest, so that’s awesome!”
There was a second “path” of vendors and games that looped around in almost a half-circle, leading guests back to the entrance of the festival.
For those who may have missed it coming in, guests had a second chance to enjoy good music and witness the dancing style of GPS 819 Company Dance Team: a combination of Garlynda’s Fancy Feet and Patsy’s Dance Studio. The talented young dancers sparkled in purple sequins as they whirled and twirled to familiar tunes as crowds entered and exited the festival.
