TRAVEL GUIDE 2021 5
RAIL DAYS
BY TODD VON KAMPEN todd.vonkampen@nptelegraph.com
Though 2020’s virtual North Platte Rail Days went well, Kirsten Parker says, there’s nothing like the real live thing. The annual celebration of North Platte’s 155-year railroad heritage returns in full Aug. 6-8, once more centered at the Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center outside Bailey Yard. “We’re pretty excited about that, that’s for sure,” said Kirsten Parker, executive director of the eight-story tower overlooking the world’s largest rail classification yard. COVID-19 forced Rail Days organizers last August to switch to an all-online format, with the festival’s in-person Bailey tours replaced by virtual ones. The Spike recorded some 3,000 online visitors last Rail Days weekend, Parker said. “We got some great feedback and hopefully some interest in coming here (live) as well. “But we are more excited than ever to bring it back in person.” The 2021 event will follow whatever COVID-19 health and safety protocols the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has in place by August, Parker said. That also covers the in-person Bailey Yard bus tours, which will give first boarding priority to those who spend $25 to buy one of 250 VIP passes for the entire festival weekend. The bus tours otherwise will be unticketed and free, Parker said, but boarding of each bus will stop once it reaches whatever capacity CDC guidelines allow at that time. Spike officials are trying to figure out whether they can resume Rail Days’ annual picnic for U.P. employees, she said. They also don’t know whether the railroad might be ready to resume excursions by its vintage “Heritage Fleet” railcars or “Big Boy” No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. Big Boy visited North Platte twice in 2019 after a multiyear restoration project. Railroad fans should monitor the Spike’s Facebook page or its goldenspiketower.com website for schedule updates, Parker said. VIP tickets may be bought on the website or at the tower.
June - September 5-8pm
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