Calling train enthusiasts - 21st Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival

Manassas Train Depot

Every year the Manassas pays tribute to its rich railroad history with its Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival. This year's event takes place on June 6, and as customary, will be located in the Historic Downtown Manassas district.

As also customary, the 2015 celebration includes train memorabilia, model trains, live entertainment, train rides and more. The models are created by several local train groups and can be viewed under the Harris Pavilion.

"Watch miniature trains come to life," says Visit Manassas.org. These trains are accompanied by Country and Blue Grass music.

2015 marks the event's 21th year. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and, except special attractions such as the train ride, this event is free.

The train excursions leave from the Manassas Train Station and travel to Clifton and back. Tickets go on sale on May 1st. There are four options - train rides are scheduled to be 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. At the time of the original posted date the ticket prices for this outing were not yet available. Since I wrote this post, the website seems to have been taken offline and I'm still looking to see where the information has been relocated to to find out pricing (last year's prices were $5 and, space providing, tickets were available the date of the event).

The railway festival typically kicks off a series of events that will occur throughout the summer. One of my favorites is the annual Fourth of July celebration. Celebrate America will take place on July 4 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (kiddie rides open at 3 p.m.). There are usually also tractor rides and live entertainment.