TRAVERSE CITY -- One of northern Michigan's most popular holiday attractions started up Saturday morning in Traverse City. The festival of Trains kicked off this morning at the History Center of Traverse City.
Folks checked out the new 2010 model train layouts which included a high speed rail, rock quarry and cherry orchards.
The popular “Thomas the Train” interactive cab also made a return appearance this year.
The festival is a major fundraiser for the History Center of Traverse City.
History Center of Traverse City Executive Director Lori Puckett says, "This is our 9th annual Festival of Trains at the History of Traverse City. We bring in 8,000 people for all the model trains and we have six different gages it's a great event and it's one of the biggest fundraisers for us.”
The festival goes until January 2nd.
It is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m December 19th – Jan. 3rd. On Sundays & New Year’s Day, the trains will run from noon to 4 pm. The festival is closed Christmas Day.
Admission is $5 per adult, $3 per senior (age 65 plus), $2 per youth (ages 4 through 17), and children 3 and under are free. A family pass is available at $20 for unlimited visits to the festival by parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren.
