The nonprofit Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society is hosting the “Steam Railfest!” on April 28-29, with the Fillmore & Western Railway as the main sponsor.

(photo courtesy of the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society)

Visitors can be entertained and amazed by the “Renaissance of Railroading.” The festival celebrates early transportation, steam engines and railroading. It features antique tractors, vehicles, engines, vintage wares and oddities, unique performances, and steampunk fun. There will be steam locomotive train rides, a “Fillmore Citrus Packing House Caboose Ride Adventure,” “Dr. Solar’s Gypsy Wagon Medicine Man Show,” toymaker Gene West, antique carousel rides, creative vendors and artisans, exhibits, movie props, entertainment, food and more.

Established in 1993, the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society’s mission is to assist in the preservation and restoration of the railroad corridor between Montalvo and Saugus. The railroad corridor, commonly referred to as the Southern Pacific’s Santa Paula Branch, is a unique and historic asset.

Mark your calendars for the “Steam Railfest!” in the historic town of Fillmore, which is also home to the Fillmore & Western Railway Co. For information, visit steamrailfestival.com.

Fillmore & Western has vintage passenger and dining cars dating to 1914, as well as a 1913 fully restored and operating #14 Baldwin Steam Engine. Fillmore & Western is known as the “Home of the Movie Trains,” with many of the vintage locomotives and train cars used in film productions. Throughout the year, Fillmore & Western offers train tours including “Weekend Scenic Adventures,” “Murder Mystery Comedy Lunch & Dinner Trains,” “Holiday Trains,” “Special Event Trains,” steam train rides, school trains and privately chartered group trains. For information, visit fwry.com.