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AUBURN — The Great Falls Model Railroad Club will hold its sixth annual Hobo Holiday Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the railroad club building, 144 Mill St. Dressing like a hobo or railroad engineer is optional for this family fun event featuring trains and railroad games.
Hobo Holiday is an opportunity to learn about railroad history in a handout that explains hobo culture, folklore and symbols. Hobo symbols telling other hobos about potential dangers or places where they are welcome will be used for a scavenger hunt leading throughout the entire two-story building, including the library and all three permanent operating layouts. Everyone will have a chance to sample hobo stew made by Hobo Chef Jerry Johnston.
Younger children will enjoy the Thomas the Tank Engine layout in the G-scale room and playing with the special Brio layout and age-appropriate trains in the play area, where parents can sit and watch. As guest engineers, older children can run trains on the club’s permanent HO layout downstairs. Games for children of all ages will include “Hoop a Caboose,” “Roundhouse Roulette” and fishing for prizes in a special fish pond.
Railroads are private property, and hobos rode the trains illegally. Because the railroad club does not want to encourage trespassing on railroad property, there is a Railroad Safety Quiz. Operation Lifesaver safety posters throughout the building will display information with the answers.
Those who answer all questions correctly may enter their names for a free drawing for a gift certificate from Governor’s Restaurant in Lewiston or a chance to ride on one of Maine’s participating tourist railroads.
Model railroad supplies and “Train Time” DVDs will be on sale. Hobo Bucks for guest engineers and for games offering prizes may be purchased at the door for $1 each or seven for $5. Admission is $3; children 12 and under admitted free.
For more information, visit greatfallsmodelrailroadclub@yahoo.com.
CAPTION — Tami and Mike Paine of Lewiston wear their special hobo outfits for the upcoming Hobo Holiday event Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Great Falls Model Railroad Club, 144 Mill St., Auburn. (Submmitted photo)
