The Allentown and Auburn Railroad train arrived at the Kutztown Train Station this past weekend for the Easter Bunny Special.
Buttercup the Bunny was on board the train headed from Kutztown to Topton and back again. During the ride, children had the opportunity to visit with Buttercup the Bunny, pose for photos and receive a chocolate treat, all while riding a vintage locomotive.
The Allentown and Auburn Railroad gift shop was set up in the Kutztown Train Station for parents and children to fill their Easter baskets with goodies from Gubbies N Binks, Mama Bear’s Handcrafted Scents, Vintage model trains, Usborne Books & More, railroadiana, and Brian’s Model Trains.
Greeting families as they helped them board the train were car attendants Walter Curll, Conshohocken, and Larry Fisher, Kempton.
“I think the kids like the Bunny. They come out and have fun,” said Fisher.
“It’s a family thing. That’s what the railroad’s trying to do, create a family atmosphere, something for everybody,” said Curll.
They talked about the historical significance of running the vintage locomotives.
“It used to be the only way to travel because back in the turn of the century, most people didn’t have cars so you took the train when you wanted to go from city to city,” said Fisher, noting the coach train car in use that day is 95 years old and has been restored by The Allentown and Auburn Railroad. “It’s fun to relive the old historical things that people did. It’s part of the culture.”
“It helps keep the past alive,” added Curll.
“All Aboard!” was shouted and everyone climbed on board, including Stephanie and Ryan Offord and their son David, 3, Macungie.
“Our son loves trains. He absolutely loves trains so if you combine a train and the Easter Bunny, it’s a perfect marriage,” said Stephanie. “David’s been really excited about it. I’ve never been on a train ride like this before so I’m really excited about it.”
Hailey Rowe, 4, Gilbertsville, posed for a photo with Buttercup the Bunny during the train ride. She was all smiles about seeing the Easter Bunny and gave the experience a thumbs up.
“It was very nice. We will definitely come back,” said her Mom, Heather.
Also joining her on the Bunny Train were her father Kevin and sister Kayla, 15.
The Allentown and Auburn Railroad President Mike Blast said this is their third year running the Easter Bunny Special. They began running the train events in Kutztown three years ago for Kutztown’s Bicentennial.
This year’s train events have been going well, starting with a Valentine’s Day train. The wine and Cupcake train for Mother’s Day has sold out.
“We’ve been getting a lot of good responses from people,” said Blast. “(Hope they get) good memories, good times.”
“Buttercup Cottontail and everyone from The Allentown and Auburn Railroad say THANK YOU for the AMAZING weekend!” posted The Allentown and Auburn Railroad on their Facebook page after weekend’s train runs.
If you didn’t make it out this weekend, you can still join Buttercup and the gang Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15. Tickets on sale now. Go to www.squareup.com/store/allentown-and-auburn-railroad to shop online or call/text 570-778-7531.
