Ride the rails at Crews Lake Park
Miniature train rides offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Pasco park
Volunteers of the Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad nonprofit organization operates train rides on 7-inch gauge trains at Crews Lake Park. Both adults and children can ride on the train cars and travel on about 8,500 feet of track through the woods of the park. FILE PHOTO
Since more than 1,000 people attended the inaugural Crews Lake Park Appreciation Day last year, it was an easy decision for organizers to put on a 2013 show.
The Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad is sponsoring the event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the county park at 16739 Crews Lake Drive.
The event introduces the park to new users and allows Suncoast residents to check out the amenities within the park, Pasco County spokesman Ed Caum explained in a press release.
The miniature train rides through the wilderness entices many visitors to the park. CP&GRR will fire up the locomotives to let people “Ride the Rails.”
The appreciation day also will continue to raise funds to create recreational vehicle spaces for overnight visitors.
In fact, two Boy Scouts are earning Eagle Scout rank for projects associated with the RV area, according to CP&GRR member Bill Baker.
“What we will continue to do is to create an RV campground that will have electrical and water connections at each space with individual picnic tables and stationary barbecue grills, within the park,” Baker said.
“The 7.5-inch gauge ‘riding’ trains will be operational that day and we plan to have other activities for folks and their families to come out and participate in,” Baker added in the press release.
DJ Rich from Rock and Roll to Go will play music. Queen Chasco and King Pithla will attend.
Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse members will also participate.
McGruff the Crime Dog will be on-hand as well with free child DNA kits.
Organizers will honor Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri, a staunch supporter of the park and the miniature railroad. A ceremony at noon will salute Mulieri as an “Honorary Friend of the Railroad.”
Vendor spaces are being provided free for nonprofit groups that want to set up tents or tables to provide activities or services to visitors.
Businesses are asked to provide at least a $50 tax-deductible donation to set up displays and sell to attendees.
Sponsor, vendor and participant application are available by calling (727) 457-9010 or by emailing [email protected].
