(rshsdepot) North Canaan, CT

[Bernie Wagenblast <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

Railroad Days kick off today

BLAINE M. SERVEN SR, Register Citizen Staff
July 18, 2002


NORTH CANAAN - Railroad Days starts today in the heart of North Canaan and
will roll on through Sunday July 28 with a freight load of fun and
activities for all the family and all residents of northwest Connecticut and
beyond.

For 38 years the Railroad Days of North Canaan have celebrated the
community, businesses, and activities of the northern most tip of the
western side of Connecticut's former railroad heritage. President of the
Chamber of Commerce and Coordinator of the Railroad Day's activities Anna
McGuire, said, "campers from Lone Oaks plan their week around it and
residents take time for the entire week."

Beginning the week plus long of activities, the Canaan Valley Pet Shop will
run a photo contest for "2002 Pet of the Year" and other categories
including "Best Exotic Pet," and "Funniest Pet." Also, the newly formed
Downtown Merchants Group will sponsor a farmers market today Thursday, July
27 offering fresh produce, fruit, homemade jellies and jams, baked goods,
flowers, homemade cheeses, hand knit items and goat's milk fudge. In
combination with the farmer's market will be a magic show from 5 p.m. to 7
p.m.

If you're a book lover, the author of "Quickies for Romeos and Other
Lovers," B.L. Walker will be available to sign books on Friday. Kids and
teens will have a special evening of Saturday for games, prizes and a
teenage dance attended by more than 60 teenagers last year. Cow egg hunting,
smorgasbord, hot dog eating contest, and bingo games will all fill the first
weekend's calendar of events for those in attendance.

On Sunday July 21, an event at 2 p.m. will look at the history of the Canaan
Union Station. After a fire in October 2001, half the building is left
standing and currently under reconstruction. The former Keilty's Depot staff
will be present on Sunday and provide refreshments as the new plans for the
remaining structure of the historic Union Station are revealed.

The second week's activities include a blood drive on Monday, a seminar on
buying, selling and refinancing a home, and a talk on Andrew Jackson's
revolution at the South Canaan meeting house. For the kids the list goes on
to include a ventriloquist show, a sidewalk drawing project, free popcorn
and balloons and a bike tour around the lumber yard.

Railroad Days this year will present singer and songwriter Donny Sawyer on
Saturday July 27 followed by a Fireworks Display. The culture, food, fun,
and games of the week's events all contribute to the heartbeat that keeps
Canaan ticking, a history and heritage shared with the Housatonic Railroad.

    Bernie Wagenblast
    Transportation Communications Newsletter
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications/


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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

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