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www.nptelegraph.com The North Platte Telegraph SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024
Golden Spike Tower Wins Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2024
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D & N EVENT CENTER 501 E WALKER, NORTH PLATTE AUGUST 2ND -AUGUST 4TH FRIDAY-SATURDAY 9:00AM-5:00PM SUNDAY 9:00AM-3:00PM Model Train Show NORTH PLATTE RAIL DAYS
New Layouts and Vendors Educational Seminars Kids Activities & More
experience with us, their adventures on the road, or their reasons for coming. We love hearing these tales and sharing our own, especially as the only attraction overlooking the World’s Largest Classification Rail Yard, which holds a special place in the hearts of many,” Parker added. “Year to date, the Golden Spike Tower has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and over 30 countries.” “Congratulations to Golden Spike Tower on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024,” said John Boris, chief growth officer at Tripadvisor. “Travelers’ Choice honors businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.”
Golden Spike Tower is pleased to announce that it has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024. The coveted award celebrates businesses that have consistently earned great traveler reviews and feedback on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months, placing these winners among the 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor globally. Since 2015 the Golden Spike Tower has earned a top honor with Trip Advisor; including Certificate of Excellence and Traveler’s Choice. Ten years in a row, we are blessed and appreciative of all the support near and far. Our guests, volunteers and staff truly are top notch; making the Golden Spike Tower such a fun place to visit and watch the workings of Union Pacific. “We are honored to be included among travelers’ favorites again this year, sharing the Canteen legacy of customer service that North Platte has been known for since WWII,” said Kirsten Parker, executive director of the Golden Spike Tower. “Every visitor brings their unique journey and story, whether it’s their
FRIDAY SEMINARS 10:00AM GETTING STARTED IN MODEL RAILROADING 1:00PM LAYOUT PLANNING, BENCHWORK & OPERATIONS 4:00PM TOOLS AND SAFETY/ LAYING TRACK & PROVIDING POWER SATURDAY SEMINARS 10:00AM SCENERY, STRUCTURES, MOTIVE POWER, ROLLING STOCK & WEATHERING: 1:00PM GETTING STARTED IN MODEL RAILROADING 4:00PM LAYOUT PLANNING, BENCHWORK AND OPERATIONS SUNDAY SEMINARS 10:00AM TOOLS AND SAFETY/ LAYING TRACK & PROVIDING POWER 1:00PM SCENERY, STRUCTURES, MOTIVE POWER, ROLLING STOCK & WEATHERING
NORTHPLATTERAILDAYS@GOLDENSPIKETOWER.COM
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SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024 The North Platte Telegraph www.nptelegraph.com
A Welcoming Festival Iowan Mark Reno visits North Platte each year for Rail Days
Hannah Nazarenus The North Platte Telegraph
goes to the events alone he said he never really feels alone. “The first year I went to the opening ceremony which was celebrating some kind of anniversary with Union Pacific. And so, Kirsten Parker, executive director at the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor’s Center, was there, and they had somebody from Union Pacific, and they did a couple of speeches, and then they just cut a cake, and everybody got to have a piece of cake,” Reno said. “And from that moment on, I’ve always felt very welcome in North Platte.” The Rail Days celebration includes many different events like a model train show, going up the Golden Spike Tower at night, and a bus tour of Bailey Yard. “My favorite (event) if I had to pick one would be, I think it was 2021 when Union Pacific had the Big Boy steam locomotive
Since 2016 Mark Reno of Guthrie Center, Iowa, makes the long drive along the Lincoln Highway to attend North Platte’s annual Rails Days. “For me it’s longer than taking Interstate 80, but I get to see trains all along the way,” Reno said. The Lincoln Highway — U.S. Highway 30 — goes along the Union Pacific’s main line and there are plenty of trains that go along it, he also enjoys getting to pass through all the old towns. Reno has been interested in trains since he was a little kid and found out about Rails Days after missing another town’s railroad celebration. As a married father of one, Reno treats Rail Days as a mini vacation for himself, and even though he
WE ARE EXCITED TO HOST VISITORS FROM ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD! WITH PARTICIPANTS HAILING FROM 46 DIFFERENT STATES AND 4 COUNTRIES. A Canteen Welcome
courtesy photo MARK RENO takes a selfie inside a train engine during a past Rail Days. Each year, Reno comes to the festival from Guthrie Center, Iowa.
coming through, it was on a tour. And it was supposed to be there at North Platte during Rail Days, and I happened to be on the bus tour right as it came into Bailey Yard,” Reno said. “The host of the tour timed it perfectly, and he was watching the whole time, but the steam locomotive came in right as we were about to cross the bridge that you can only get to if you’re in Bailey Yard, so we got to see it cross under us, which as a pretty cool viewpoint from there.” Reno also enjoys getting to explore other parts of North Platte. “There’s a Cody Park train display, which I don’t know too many places where you can actually get to climb onto and explore vintage locomotives, and they have two of them there, but Kirsten Parker and her whole team really make sure there’s always something going on,” Reno said. Another event he enjoyed was a
passenger train ride. “My favorite train I would say, is any train that I get to ride. A couple years ago for Rail Days they were able to get Union Pacific to supply a passenger train and do short little rides,” Reno said. “And those were fun because they were vintage equipment. You got to relive the days of, you know, when America had a lot of passenger trains and that’s how we got everywhere. It was kind of cool to sit up inside those passenger cars, as if it’s the 1950s or something.” Reno’s advice to everyone would be to visit North Platte. “Throughout the year you can visit North Platte and find plenty to do, whether you’re into trains or not, but it’s just a little bit extra during Rail Days,” he said. “Whether you’re just in town in general or Rail Days, they try to make sure there’s something for everyone here.”
WITH 21,263 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS ONLINE. OUR EVENT HAS BECOME A GATHERING PLACE FOR TRAIN FANS NEAR AND FAR. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AND MAKING THIS EVENT TRULY SPECIAL.
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Bonding over trains at Rail Days Mike and Harry Abramovitz use Rail Days to spend time together and follow their passion
Visitors Center. “They have late night hours where you can watch the sunset from the top of the tower. It’s pretty neat actually,” Harry said. “One of the things we really like is I can’t remember which night, but one of the nights during the long weekend, they do a social for everybody that you know is participating and coming to see, so getting to just meet and talk with other train enthusiasts,” Mike said. “There’s usually good snacks, which never hurts our feelings. You know that is something we’ve come to look forward to each year.” Another thing they look forward to each year is the yard tours. “Thats something else to be able to go within the fence line of Bailey Yard to just see the operations firsthand. It’s an amazing experience,” Harry added. They also enjoy getting to learn from the volunteers during Rail Days. “What I like in all these events, is most of the volunteers at some point in their lives, were in the railroad industry, and they really bring trains alive. You know neither of us are in the train industry as a career, but we have learned so much from these volunteers,” Mike said. “For all the times we’re up there, they’re super friendly. You know, the community is really open and welcoming that, you know, they love to find people who love what they do for a living.
Hannah Nazarenus The North Platte Telegraph
Father and son duo Mike and Harry Abramovitz of Denver, Colorado, have been attending Rail Days since 2021. Along with Rail Days they also enjoy attending other shows, festivals and museums dedicated to trains. They also visit their local train yard a few times a month. “I’ve been interested in trains really all my life. I just love anything with like an engine or real big machinery in general, but with trains there’s just something so unique about them,” said Harry Abramovitz. “It’s just, it’s like how does something so big be able to move so much material at once. Like its just its really amazing to see.” The Abramovitz’s connect over their love of trains and use Rail Days and other train events to spend time together. “It also gives Harry and I time together on a regular basis, something to look forward to,” Mike said. “So we go to the tower, sometimes once a month, you know, we’re about a three and a half, four hour drive from our from our house, so we’ll drive out on a Friday morning, and then, you know, spend the weekend at the tower and come home on Sunday afternoon. So, it gives us a lot of good times together.” One of their favorite events is the late nights at the Golden Spike Tower &
courtesy photo HARRY ABRAMOVITZ poses with a Union Pacific engine during a Bailey Yard tour at a previous Rail Days. Abramovitz and his brother, Mike, make the yearly trip for the festival from Denver, Colorado.
Pancakes, Sausage, Eggs & More!
PANCAKE FEED Sunday, August 4th 9:00am-11:00am D & N Event Center
502 N. Dewey St. North Platte, NE 69101 308-532-2094 308-221-6047 northplatte@brownsshoefitco.com @bsfcnorthplatte brownsshoefitco.com 📠 ✉ 🅵 📞
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MODEL TRAIN SHOW
03 SATURDAY 9:00AM-5:00PM 02 FRIDAY 9:00AM-5:00PM
AT D & N EVENT CENTER
EXPLORE DETAILED MODEL TRAIN LAYOUTS AND LEARN THE TECHNIQUES BEHIND CREATING YOUR OWN. JOIN US FOR THREE DAYS OF FUN AND INSPIRATION. THIS YEAR, WE WELCOME NEW LAYOUTS TO OUR AREA, EDUCATIONAL CLASSES, OPERATING MODEL RAILROADS IN MULTIPLE SCALES, AND VENDORS SELLING MODEL RAILROAD ITEMS AND MEMORABILIA. EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 10:00AM GETTING STARTED IN MODEL RAILROADING 1:00PM LAYOUT PLANNING, BENCHWORK & OPERATIONS 4:00PM TOOLS AND SAFETY/ LAYING TRACK & PROVIDING POWER SATURDAY 10:00AM SCENERY, STRUCTURES, MOTIVE POWER, ROLLING STOCK & WEATHERING: 1:00PM GETTING STARTED IN MODEL RAILROADING 4:00PM LAYOUT PLANNING, BENCHWORK AND OPERATIONS SUNDAY 10:00AM TOOLS AND SAFETY/ LAYING TRACK & PROVIDING POWER 1:00PM SCENERY, STRUCTURES, MOTIVE POWER, ROLLING STOCK & WEATHERING:
04 SUNDAY 9:00AM-3:00PM
JOIN US FOR A WARM WELCOME TO NORTH PLATTE WITH A CANTEEN-STYLE GATHERING FEATURING FOOD, DRINKS, AND GREAT COMPANY. ENJOY A VARIETY OF NORTH PLATTE AND NEBRASKA FAVORITES AND DELICIOUS BITES AS WE CELEBRATE TOGETHER. IT'S THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO MEET NEW FRIENDS IN A RELAXED AND INVITING ATMOSPHERE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO NORTH PLATTE! CELEBRATE NORTH PLATTE 02 FRIDAY 5:00PM-8:00PM GOLDEN SPIKE TOWER
NorthPlatteRailDays@GoldenSpikeTower.com (308) 330-0110 goldenspiketower.com/events/northplatteraildays facebook.com/northplatteraildays
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Spike Art Adding a Creative Touch to the Golden Spike Tower
Kirsten Parker The Golden Spike Executive Director Spike Art is more than just an art project; it’s a celebration of history, creativity and community. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event and contribute to a lasting legacy at the Golden Spike Tower. The inspiration for Spike Art comes from last year’s fall celebration of Spike 150, where the 53-foot Golden Spike art piece was displayed at the tower during it’s transport to Utah. The idea came to incorporate more art into the Golden Spike Tower’s attraction, leading to the creation of “Spike Art.” Participants will have the chance to decorate genuine railroad spikes using a variety of materials, including paint,
the event does apply. This will be followed by another FREE session at the Prairie Art Center on August 24 during the Prairie Art Center’s Art Affair. A fun filled day of a variety of art viewing and participation, with local artists and talents. On Saturday, August 31, the Golden Spike Tower will be hosting Spike Art in the Courtyard, a free event for the public to join in on the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun activity, Spike Art offers a unique and memorable experience for everyone. Please mark your calendars and join us for one of three fantastic sessions. Your decorated spike could be a part of our blooming display in the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor’s Center courtyard for years to come.
glitter, stickers, rocks and more. These individual spikes will then be welded into colorful flowers, which will be “planted” in the courtyard of the Golden Spike Tower, creating a unique visual display for all visitors to enjoy over the years. The Golden Spike Tower has teamed up with the Prairie Art Center to host several opportunities in August for the public to participate and all supplies
will be provided, making Spike Art easily accessible to everyone, regardless of age or artistic ability. Simply a fun way for families, friends and individuals to get creative and leave their legacy at the Golden Spike Tower for years to come. The first opportunity will be during the Saturday Night Murder Mystery event at the Prairie Art Center during North Platte Rail Days, regular admission for
START WITH THIS
SPIKE ART
THEN ADD THIS
SOME OF THIS MAYBE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD 6:00-8:00PM AT THE PRAIRIE ART CENTER SATURDAY, AUGUST 24TH AT ART AFFAIR AT THE PRAIRIE ART CENTER SATURDAY, AUGUST 31ST 9AM-11AM AT THE GOLDEN SPIKE TOWER
AND WE WILL MAKE THESE TO ‘PLANT’ IN OUR COURTYARD
Friday & Saturday Dining: 11am - 10pm Lounge: 11am to Close Sunday & Monday Closed
Tuesday - Thursday Dining: 11am - 9pm Lounge: 11am to Close
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PANCAKE FEED 04 D & N EVENT CENTER START YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT WITH A DELIGHTFUL PANCAKE BREAKFAST THAT WILL LEAVE YOU FUELED UP AND READY TO EXPLORE THE WORLD OF TRAINS. INDULGE IN A SCRUMPTIOUS BREAKFAST TREAT AS THE TALENTED MEMBERS OF KIWANIS SERVE UP PERFECTLY COOKED PANCAKES AT THE D & N EVENT CENTER. BEST OF ALL, THIS MOUTHWATERING FEAST IS FREE WILL DONATION. ICE CREAM SOCIAL 04 SUNDAY 9:00AM-11:00AM D & N EVENT CENTER
JOIN US IN HONORING THE DEDICATED UNION PACIFIC EMPLOYEES, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT, AT THE MODEL TRAIN SHOW HELD AT THE D & N EVENT CENTER. AS A SPECIAL TRIBUTE, WE INVITE YOU TO INDULGE IN A "TOAST" OF ICE CREAM. THIS DELICIOUS TREAT SERVES AS A SWEET GESTURE TO CELEBRATE THE HARD WORK AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF UNION PACIFIC EMPLOYEES. COME TOGETHER WITH FELLOW ATTENDEES TO HONOR THEIR DEDICATION WHILE ENJOYING A DELIGHTFUL ICE CREAM EXPERIENCE DURING THIS SPECIAL HOUR AT THE MODEL TRAIN SHOW.
SUNDAY 2:OOPM-3:OO-M
LIMITED VIP SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GOLDEN SPIKE TOWER VISITOR CENTER ADULT $35 YOUTH $20 INCLUDES THESE PERKS & MORE! Thank you for your support!
SPECIAL EXTENDED ‘TWILIGHT’ HOURS AT THE GOLDEN SPIKE TOWER OPEN UNTIL 11PM FRIDAY, AUGUST 2ND & SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD
1249 N HOMESTEAD RD NORTH PLATTE, NE (308) 532-9920 GOLDENSPIKETOWER.COM
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THE GOLDEN SPIKE TOWER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER & PROVIDER.
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