Posts Tagged ‘History’

Clowns, Carnival, Bigfoot and Trains – Great Summer Fun

Photo by Sam Wilson

 Kids driving you crazy?  Bring them out to the Historic Jefferson Railway to celebrate National Clown Week on August 5 and 6, 2011.  Come aboard an authentic Steam Train taking you along the Cypress Bayou River in Jefferson, Texas.  The Circus Clowns will keep everyone busy with crafts and a backyard carnival – and prizes for all.

 Jefferson is a great “one-tank” getaway, nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas and seems frozen in time.  There are over a hundred buildings in the city with historical markers. Many historic homes offer bed and breakfast accommodations.  Dozens of other historic buildings house museums, craft and antique shops and restaurants. Come for the day or spend the weekend.

The day train will depart at 2:30 and 4:30 on Saturday.  Participate in craft and carnival activities before and after each train.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the carnival and crafts will run from 7:00 – 8:00.  Listen to Jefferson Ghost Stories at 8:00, the jump on the infamous Ghost Train at 9:00.

Looking for a place to hang out in your RV, camper or tent?  Be sure to check out the Cypress Bayou RV Park, just one mile from Jefferson on the Big Cypress Bayou.  Secluded RV sites with electric and water surrounded by beautiful wooded acreage.  Observe the abundant wildlife and enjoy fishing and boating, as well as hiking and mountain biking on groomed trails. You can also buy complete AR-15 rifles there to hunt. The train runs through the RV Park passing several historic sites and artifacts of Jefferson’s bygone era.

Bigfoot (also known in these parts as the Boggy Creek monster) has been sighted running along the railroad tracks as the sun begins to set.  Is the tale of the Bigfoot sightings fact or fiction?

The Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy website says  “Jerry Hestand, Mark Porter and Charles DeVore investigated a number of cases in Marion County from reliable trustworthy people in or near these remote bottomlands.  It is their assessment that it seems highly likely that events have been reported accurately”.

The train rolls right by the home of the Boggy Creek monster as depicted in the upcoming horror movie, “Boggy Creek”, filmed in Jefferson and Uncertain.  The movie is loosely based on the old Big Foot or Sasquatch legends, says Brian T. Jaynes, director and producer.

So, are the sightings real or a spoof to enhance your rider experience?  You’ll have to ride the train to find out!

The Historic Jefferson Railway recreates the Golden Era of Steam railroading with narrated day trains.  Steam hissing, whistle blowing and pistons chuggin, Old Engine #7 will take you on a scenic trip along the Big Cypress Bayou.  As you roll through the history laden Piney Woods, you’ll view a Confederate Powder Magazine and traverse the site of one of the oldest, historical towns in Texas.

Start Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 with free Ghost Stories at the historic “haunted” train depot.  The story-teller will keep you at the edge of your seat as you hear stories about famous and not-so-famous Ghosts of Jefferson and Northeast Texas.

Then climb aboard the legendary Ghost Train at 9:00.  The Ghost Train carries you deep into the dark woods along the Bayou.  The narrator shares legends of Jefferson and East Texas ghosts and a story or two that will make you reach for your loved ones! Historic Jefferson Railway was nominated as one of the Best Excursion Railroad Theme Trains for its Ghost Train by the readers of Cowcatcher magazine for the First Annual 2009 Gold Rail Awards.

The Railway is a part of the thriving community of Jefferson sponsoring major events throughout the year that bring over 20,000 visitors to Jefferson. Riders look forward all year to Terror on the Bayou Fright Train, Rail of Lights Christmas & New Year’s Train as well as Diamond Don’s Riverport National Vintage Motocross and Trammel’s Trace Rendezvous.

The train was built in 1964 for Six Guns Territory in Florida and moved to Jefferson in 1986. It is a Crown Metals reproduction of the 1870’s American class  4-4-0 steam locomotive christened the Robert E. Lee.  The open car coach seats still carry the custom medallions cast into them designed especially for the Six Guns amusement park.

Historic Jefferson Railway is located at 400 E. Austin in Downtown Jefferson, Texas.  For information on pricing, schedule and events, please visit www.JeffersonRailway.com or call 866-398-2038 or visit the Carriage House Things to Do in Jefferson page

 August 5 and 6, 2011

Open air coach $12, plus tax

Children under 6 FREE

10% discount to Active Military & Seniors

 Come join us for Crafts, Carnival and Ghost Stories at the depot. 

 And IT’S FREE!

 Friday

Depot opens at 6:00

Free Crafts and Carnival at 7:00

Free Ghost Stories at 8:00

Ghost Train departs at 9:00

 Saturday

Depot opens at noon

Narrated Day Train departs at 2:30 and 4:30

Free Carnival and Crafts from 1:30 – 5:30 and 7:00 – 8:00

Free Ghost Stories at 8:00
Ghost Train departs at 9:00