The Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District is hosting Ride the Rails Passenger Train Excursions on Saturday, June 3, 2023. 1,300 round trip tickets are being sold. Trips depart at 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, and 2pm. Board the train at the Chillicothe Train Station at the corner of Cedar and 3rd. 

Five vintage passenger train cars will carry 350 people on a 45-minute round-trip excursion. The cars were built in the 1920s era for the Pennsylvania Railroad and rebuilt sometime after World War II. Each car is equipped with a modern restroom. Ticketed passengers will enjoy a round-trip ride along the scenic river route. A diesel locomotive will pull the train to Henry and make a return trip back to Chillicothe. 

The event runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm. City Park will be filled with vendors, music entertainment, and food as the Optimist Club with be hosting their Home Run Festival. The 900 and 1000 blocks of 2nd Street will be closed off so visitors can participate in the festivities including a semi-truck cruise in. Local restaurants on Cedar Street and 2nd Street shops will be ready to assist the visitor’s needs for shopping, food, and services. Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District Fire House #1 will be open and free tours of the historic Rock Island Depot Museum will be available. 

Tickets are $16 for adults, $8 for children, and children five and under are free as long as they can sit on adult’s lap. Tickets will be sold at the following Chillicothe locations: Better Banks 9–5pm Mon–Fri and Sat 8:30am-12pm, Owens Design Group 8:30am–4pm Mon-Friday, Fire Station #1 on Monday nights from 7–8pm, Historic Society Train Depot on Sundays from 1–4pm, Proceeds from this event will benefit community fire services. For more information, contact Amanda Beadles, Economic Development Director at City Hall at (309) 274-3107 or text Craig Bannister, Fred Meister Chillicothe Community Fire Fighters Association Treasurer at 309-264-3938.