SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Once again, crowds are flocking to the Steamtown National Historic Site. This time, it’s to celebrate this year’s Railfest which is bringing people from near and far to engage in the area’s history.
A chance to celebrate and learn about the history of railroading and an opportunity to support the preservation of history is what’s happening this weekend at the Steamtown National Historic Site.
Railfest is giving rail fans a chance to spend time on site, celebrating the past, present, and future of railroading. It’s also giving them a chance to play a part in preserving it.
The Iron Horse Society, the site’s philanthropic partner, brought two tanks, a few jeeps, and a half track all from World War II.
“Feel history come to life. See it in a way that’s not just static, the sight, the sound, the smell, the feel of it roaring by, and understand that it’s our shared history, so you can come touch and see it, it’s not just something that sits,” Iron Horse Society President, Mike Rinkunas, said.
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People can actually ride the tanks, see what the armor of the 20th century was like, and help support a good cause because they are raising money to restore another piece of history from that same time.
Rinkunas explained, “We have a World War II troop sleeper that carried the troops from their destinations to the ports, and we have one that needs restoration. The goal is actually to restore it just like the troops would have ridden in it in World War II.”
“It’s really nice for them to do that and sponsor the military, it’s really nice,” Stanley Wills from Virginia said.
The significance of the event was not lost on anyone.
“It’s really nice, you get to see the different parts of it, and it’s definitely an adventure that you’ll want to go see with your friends and family,” Sarah Helwig from New Jersey added.
“Whether it’s trains, whether it’s buildings, architecture, we need to have those experiences of being up close and personal, touching it, seeing it, smelling it, whatever it is, so that we don’t lose that history,” Havertown resident, Michelle Collier said.
Railfest continues Saturday and Sunday.
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