THIS Saturday, May 11th, will mark the 5th annual National Train Day, a date chosen to mark the anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike out in Promontory, Utah, marking the completion of the 1st transcontinental railroad in the United States. The "Golden Spike"...that would be a good name for a bar(!), but that's a subject for another Puffman Blog. I can hear it now..."I'll meet you for an amber brew at the "Spike" after work tonight"! I think it would work! NOW, getting back to National Train Day this Saturday...this 5th annual National Train Day is a way to not only celebrate the completion of the 1st Transcontinental Railroad, but also to celebrate trains (our beloved Empire Builder) & their many contributions to American life. THIS year, AMTRAK is sponsoring National Train Day festivities at some 97 AMTRAK stations across the country, & there will be several observances at stations, excursion railroads, rail museums, & elsewhere. These events provide one of the year's BEST opportunities to spread the word about the vital work that NARP (National Association of Railroad Passengers) does to preserve, improve & expand passenger train service. I would encourage you to stop in & visit our Shelby AMTRAK station this Saturday, & what could be more fun  to stop by around 11:30 Saturday morning & watch our glorious Empire Builder as it steams in from the west & makes it's rail journey all along the Hi-Line, through North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan & ultimately ending up in "Shy-Town". Likewise, stop back around 5 Saturday afternoon as the "Builder" comes through on it's westbound trip all the way out to the coast.  I think it would be more than cool if our mayor, His Worship-The Honorable Shelby Mayor Larry J. Bonderud, would come down, get up on his soapbox & make a great National Train Day speech"! See you Saturday down at Shelby AMTRAK. I've said it before & I'll say it again...we are more than fortunate to have this wonderful transportation service available AND affordable, both here in Shelby, & all along the Hi-Line! It is truly our "Lifeline on the Hi-Line"!

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