(photo courtesy of Fillmore & Western Railway)

Vintage train lovers are invited to the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society’s annual Rail Festival on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The festival is co-Sponsored by the Fillmore & Western Railway, and the theme is “Looking Toward the Future”. Approximately 10,000 visitors are expected at the festival, which is held in the city of Fillmore’s Central Park.

Railroad-related activities such as miniature steam train rides, “speeder” rides, turntable demonstrations and displays from railroad related organizations will be held. Additional attractions include the famous Frontier Gunfighters, antique farm equipment demonstrations, vintage tractors, live music, and arts and craft booths.

One-hour train rides will depart at 10 and 11:30 a.m., and 1 and 2:30 p.m. A caboose will be added to provide a unique and rare opportunity for the public ride. Additionally, the Fillmore & Western Railway’s western-themed “Family Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Train” will run on Saturday, April 25. Reservations are required.

The historical society will also open its 1956 Union Pacific Pullman Sleeping Car to the public. The car, designated by Union Pacific as “#1205 the National Embassy”, is one of only 12 flat-sided aluminum “Embassy” cars built for the Union Pacific Railroad. The interior is untouched and virtually original in every detail. The society’s Railroad Visitor Center will also be open.

Visitors can enjoy food booths, including the society’s Locomotive Tri-Tip Bar-B-Que. Admission to the festival and parking is free. Fillmore is located on Highway 126 between Interstate 5 near Magic Mountain and the 101 Freeway in Ventura. For information, visit www.scrvrhs.com or www.fwry.com.