After a two-year hiatus, Alberta Prairie Railway resumed passenger train services to the Village of Big Valley, and celebrated with a “Welcome Back” event on Friday, June 24.
Big Valley council previously approved a portion of Main Street to be closed for the event, however, inclement weather prompted it to be moved to the Big Valley Community Hall.
“The weather was a little iffy and at noon it looked like rain,” Alberta Prairie Railway general manager Bob Willis told the Mail. “But the event was a success despite the weather.”
He estimates between 150 and 200 people attended.
Although this is the first time the passenger trains are returning to Big Valley, Mr. Willis says Alberta Prairie Railway was able to meet COVID-19 protocols in 2021 and were able to run excursions to the Country Hideaway destination beginning in mid-August. They were also able to hold the Polar Express excursion at Christmas.
Mr. Willis says, so far, the season has gone well, and he adds the trains will help to bring some tourism back into the community.
The first official trip back to Big Valley will be Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9; a steak barbecue dinner is planned for the Saturday event.
