2009 Manassas Heritage Railway Festival

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Historic Manassas Inc. is pleased to announce that the Manassas Heritage Railway will be held on Saturday, June 6 from 10am until 4pm around the Old Town Manassas train depot and the Loy E. Harris Pavilion. Now in its 15th year, the festival features 9 elaborate model train displays, a Thomas the Tank Engine Kiddie Train, live country and bluegrass bands throughout the day, a kids’ stage with both professional and local talent, food concessions and rides, and vendors of “railroadania”.

This year the much anticipated VRE Excursion Train to Clifton and back is sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit Union at Signal Hill. “The Railway Festival is truly a one-of-a-kind family celebration showcasing the history and charm of Old Town Manassas,” said Gerrianne Burks, Northwest Federal Credit Union President and CEO. “We’re thrilled to sponsor the excursion train rides which help to educate the community about one of the nation’s first railroad systems in a fun and explorative way. With our newest branch right down the road, this event is one of the ways Northwest Federal is helping to carry on a community tradition and share in a little part of its history.”

Tickets are available now, and can be purchased at the Visitor’s Center in the Old Town train depot. Tickets are $6.00 and must be purchased in person. Excursion times are on the hour between 11am and 3pm, with each trip lasting approximately 40 minutes. Children under 2 years old ride free. The visitor’s center is open 7 days a week from 9am until 5pm.
The Railway Festival signals the beginning of an exciting season of events and activities scheduled for Old Town Manassas. Coming up on Sunday, June 21 just in time for Father’s Day is the 5th Annual Wine and Jazz Festival. Tickets are now available on line at www.visitmanassas.org for this fairly new event that has grown in attendance and support in a very short time. Featuring great jazz music, fabulous wineries and tastings and special vendors, tickets make a great Father’s Day gift and outing for the family.

There is plenty of free parking in the City’s new 5 story parking garage conveniently located at the corner of Main and Prince William St. in the heart of Old Town Manassas. Bring the whole family, friends and enjoy a wonderful day celebrating our country’s rich railroad history.

The City’s “Celebrate America” event on July 4th has become THE fireworks show to see in Northern Virginia. This free event features games, rides and all-American fare for the entire family and is free and open to the public.

For more information on these and other events in Old Town Manassas, please visit the HMI website at www.visitmanassas.org.