By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
The eighth annual Western Kansas Train Show is set again for this weekend at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1343 Fairground Road, where enthusiasts will have the opportunity to buy and sell model trains, with over 100 tables of trains being presented.
The event will cover the entire weekend, running 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5, and children under 10 will be admitted free.
“It’s kind of fun for the whole family. It’s not only buy and sale, but it’s kind of a walk down memory lane,” said Justin Keeler, show promoter.
Even though the show focuses on small trains, the turnout is quite the opposite.
“Over the years, we keep increasing in attendance,” Keeler said. Last year, the show had about 780, and Keeler is hoping to have a few more weekend. “I figure if we can get 1,000 people, that’s a pretty good showing for Hays, Kansas.”
People come from all across the country to attend this event — from Florida to California and points between.
“It’s kind of fascinating how far people will drive to come to these things,” Keeler said.
One of the reasons these train shows remain popular is the lack of available hobby shops that stock model trains.
“Anymore with the Internet being so busy, it has actually taken a lot of the hobby shops out of business,” Keeler said.
While Hays has had a rich history of model trains and hobby shops, it is now a long drive to the closest shop.
“Really the closest one to us would be Spring Creek Model Trains up in Deshler, Nebr., but it to is also supported by model train shows,” Keeler said. “It’s pretty much a thing of the past, as far a hobby shop that supports model trains, so the shows are the best way to find model trains today.”
For attendees, Keeler said the two-day event is usually split into to camps, but both days are open to everyone. Saturday is the more serious day with dealers and sellers working on moving products, whereas “Sunday traditionally seems to be more of a family day.”
The show will feature 120 tables of model trains, both new and used, with vendors coming in from all over the Midwest, including Iowa and Texas. A food vendor will also be on site, door prizes will be offered and a big feature of the show will be eight operating layouts for participants to enjoy.
Both Polar Express and Thomas the Train will be featured, with both being some of the most popular attractions, bringing a big variety of people, young and old, Keeler said to enjoy some “good clean family fun.”