Newton Independent
The 2012 National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) convention, highlighted by five day rail trips including a stop in Newton a week from today, begins Monday in Cedar Rapids, the first time the convention has been held in Iowa.
"We are excited that the 2012 NRHS convention will be making its lunch stop at the Rock Island Depot in Newton - which is also celebrating its 100th year anniversary this year - during its full-day rail trip on June 20," said Linda Bacon, executive director of the Newton CVB. "We're partning with Hy-Vee, Art A La Carte, the Newton Parks Department and others to make a memorable impression on our guests while they're in Newton for this short period of time."
The Jasper County Historical Museum will be bringing its steam engine to the depot and have it on hand for the visiting travelers to see.
The luncheon is pre-planned only for the traveling guests and invited dignitaries, however, the public will be able to view the train the convention-goers will be traveling on via Sunset Park in Newton. North Eighth Avenue East will be closed to through traffic between First Street North and East Fourth Street North from approximately 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. due to the train being parked across the tracks.
Bacon said local residents have the opportunity to ride the train back to Cedar Rapids.
"It is our understanding tickets can be purchased to ride the train 'one-way' back to Cedar Rapids, but riders would have to find their own transportation back to Newton," she said.
For more information on the NRHS convention or to purchase tickets, individuals can visit the NRHS web site here.
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