SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD FIFTH ANNUAL RALIFEST

[Knothead]

For Immediate Release ? February 20, 2007
Contact:  Connie Southard, Marketing & Communication Coordinator
                 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
                 828-631-6109                             

Railfest 2007, a Great Smoky Mountains Railroad festival, will return to the Bryson City Depot,   September 14 through 16.  This three day festival gathering for railroad enthusiasts and history buffs from around the world is an opportunity to ride special excursions, see railroad memorabilia and experience the music of the rails.  Thousands return each year along with first time visitors to enjoy a taste of railroad food, storytelling, dance, live music, special excursions and events unavailable the rest of the year.

Viviting again this year, Railfest will feature the Flagg Coal Co #75 Steam Locomotive, a Vulcan 0-4-0 Saddle Tank Engine built in 1930.  Also, visiting, will be Southern Railway?s famous diesel locomotive #6133.  The engine, coming from the NC Transportation Museum, was built in 1950, and is typical of the engines that ran here up until the 60s.  In 1976 the #6133 was renamed Joseph Hewes for the bicentennial; and ran special excursions, such as the ?Skyland Special? (from Asheville to Old Fort).  In 1979, the #6133 was retired and one year later donated to the museum.  In 1990 it was restored by museum volunteers to her ?as-delivered paint scheme? of May 1950.

This year the Norfolk Southern Lawmen will be entertaining on Saturday.  The Lawmen band carries on the tradition which began in 1951 by D. W. Brosnan, then executive vice president of operations.  The original Lawmen were members of the railroad?s police department.  The Lawmen today are not members of the railroad?s police department; but their entertainment is a valuable asset of Norfolk Southern.
     
The 26th Annual Fireman?s Days highlights Railfest on Saturday.  The day will begin their Firecracker 5K Run.  The afternoon heats up with their all male Miss Flame Beauty Pageant.  Bingo, rides on fire trucks, and famous fireman?s Bar-B-Que.  Remember to buy a Bryson City Firemen?s Tee Shirt.

Friday noon kicks off the weekend with Motor Cars, equipment on display, and
Operation Life Saver display. and visitors can ride.  A Friday evening exclusive ?Wet Your Whistle? reception, for invited guests, provides an unique train ride consisting of a Heritage Locomotive and Passenger Cars.  Also, the Mystery Dinner Train which departs Dillsboro will provide suspenseful entertainment of a three course dinner and a hilarious, rousing performance.





Saturday Festivities start at 9 am at the Bryson City Depot with Friday?s activities
continuing with performances by the Buckingham Lining Bar Gang; the Bouncy Train and Giant Slide will provide activities for children age 12 and under.   The Fifth Annual
Mountain Craft Fair featuring 50 craft and food vendors will offer handmade mountain crafts and foods.   On display will be the Macon Model Train Club?s 16? X 24? model train layout.  Members of the club will be available to talk modeling. 

As the weekend activities continue, Sunday features an all day ?Photo Special? excursion departing Bryson City to Andrews along the western route of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.  The nine hour round trip by train provides two photo run-bys. 

Smoky Mountain Trains Museum admission is included with all train excursion tickets. (Except Thomas the Tank?, PEANUTS? The Great Pumpkin Patch Express and all Dinner Trains.) Without train excursion admission is Adults $9.00 ? Children $5.00

For more information and reservations call 1-800-872-4681 or visit web site at www.gsmr.com.