The Alleghany Railroad Heritage Festival held Saturday, May 9, at the C&O Railway Heritage Center was a big success. More than 2,000 people attended this inaugural annual event that was hosted by the C&O Historical Society and marked the full-time opening of the C&O Railway Heritage Center.

This day demonstrated that our vision of creating a destination tourist attraction has become a reality. Eighty percent of those who attended the festival were from outside of Alleghany County and one person came from as far away as Jacksonville, Fla. just for the event.

The day began with a dedication of the Heritage Center by local and state officials. Delegate Lacey Putney, Delegate Jim Shuler, County Supervisors Carolyn Barnette and Steve Bennett, Clifton Forge Mayor Don Carter, Covington Mayor Stephanie Clark, and Iron Gate Mayor Alan Williams all made introductory remarks. C&O Historical Society President Lars Lemberg presented awards to Delegates Putney and Shuler for their work getting state funding to start the Heritage Center. The day was dedicated in memory of Stewart Bostic, Emmit Kirts, and Jack Manner, three former C&O employees who helped get the center started.

It was a truly festive event with many different attractions and activities; musical groups 220 South, Botetourt and Henry, Judy and Jack performed traditional railroad songs. There were presentations by rail historians including Bill Dillon on John Henry and Jim Casto in character as C&O founder Collis P. Huntington. Tours through the museum featured a 96 foot O gauge model train layout with a narrative history of the railroad from its beginnings to modern times. There is a gift shop featuring unique railroad items. Other attractions included visits with the society's feline mascots, Chessie and Cookie, a caboose pull, train whistle and bell exhibit, tours of rail cars and cabooses and train viewing from J.D. Cabin, a replica 1890s signal tower that opened to the public Saturday.

The day was a true community event. The Center provided space free of charge to many local artisans and community organizations to set up booths and sell crafts and baked goods, as well as showcase the Alleghany Highlands and Clifton Forge. The Sharon Ruritan Club provided tasty food for the event and had a banner day.

The most popular attraction was the live steam railroad ride-on train, known as the "Little C&O". This new 1 1/2 inch scale rail layout is the only public live steam railroad in the region. There were long lines waiting for a ride on the train, and it was filled with adults as well as children.

"The Society extends its sincere appreciation to all those who made contributions to make this day possible, especially The Alleghany Foundation for providing funding for the new signal tower. We are confident that the view the tower affords train enthusiasts will draw thousands to our area. The Heritage Center represents what is possible when state and local governments, local organizations, and the public and private sector work together," Tabb said.

The Heritage Center is now open to the public full-time. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Members are admitted free.

Individual memberships are $39 and family memberships are $69 annually. Special tours for school and other groups are available by arrangement. For more information, contact the C&O Historical Society at 540.862.2210.

Source: Virginian Review, Saturday, May 16, 2009.