Railfest 2012

So one of the big things here in North Platte is Railfest.  They hold it every September.  It is always 3 days and since most of the stuff is free, we of course go.  Seriously, when you live this close to the world's largest changing yard, you can't be surprised about train celebrations.  This seriously has to be Nolan's favorite event.  He may like Christmas better but you never know.  I do know that nearly a year later he is still talking about Railfest and not so much about Christmas.

Railfest is usually Friday, Saturday and Sunday so we attend basically 2 full days worth.  Basically we do everything twice.  Nolan was seriously in heaven.  First we went out to Baily Yard to see the different engines.  Most of these are "nrr nrr" trains, or diesels.  Trust me, Nolan is very particular about the difference.  They also have one "whoo whoo" train, or steam engine as well.

Nolan looks tiny next to the big "nrr nrr" engines

Shelby sitting in the shade of the Katy

Nolan had a blast walking along the tracks

Giving Dad a tour of the "nrr nrr" engines

Enjoying the trains in the morning

Shelby standing in front of the "whoo whoo"
train

There is also a little train museum there and while we were going through on Friday, the local news station took footage of Nolan and Shelby and they made the evening news.

After looking at all the engines, we went over to the National Guard headquarters where they had the miniature train display set up.  I am certain that if Nolan still loves trains when he is older, he will want his own miniature train collection.

Nolan's favorite display: Thomas and Friends 

Miniature Trains

They have a lot of detail and a lot of little quirks

Thomas and Percy zooming around with normal trains

Outside the mini train display

After we were done cooling off in the air conditioning and looking at all the miniature train displays, we crossed the street over to Cody Park to look at some of the train equipment and to ride the little train.  The kids also enjoyed a blow-up slide and a bounce house. The kids also had their picture taken on the train ride and made it into the local newspaper.

Heading into Cody Park

Going on a train ride with some friends

Shelby liked wearing her hat backward

The train rides

Nolan taking a picture on the caboose

Some fun in the bounce house

This was definitely a lot of fun and one of these years Mom needs to come out here so she can enjoy all the cool train stuff with us.