Essex Railway Station hosts a Family Fun Day

by Sylene Argent

On Saturday afternoon, several area residents headed down to the historic Essex Railway Station to enjoy the annual Family Fun Day event. 

  Onsite, children of all ages enjoyed a tour of the historic caboose, made a train-themed craft, got their faces painted like their favourite princess or comic book characters, marvelled at the model train displays onsite, and shared in a barbequed lunch with their families.

  Parents, in addition to enjoying the event with their children, were also able to learn a little bit about railroad history in Essex and all about the role the historic Railway Station plays in the community as a museum and reception hall.

  Bill Gay of Heritage Essex, a committee that maintains the historic site, was pleased with the great turnout of attendees on Saturday. He figured the great attendance was in part due to the perfect weather, which allowed families an opportunity to get out and explore the train station.

  Heritage Essex hosts events, such as the Family Fun Day, to keep the historic railway station top of mind of those who live in the community. Every February, the committee hosts the annual Essex Train Show at Essex Public School as one of its major fundraisers.

  The next major Heritage Essex Fundraiser will take place on October 26 at the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201) as the Essex Legion, the Essex Rotary Club, and the Holy Name Knights of Columbus Council will come together to assist Heritage Essex in hosting the annual Essex citizen of the Year banquet. This year’s honourees are Chris and Laurie Lapain.