What's Happening in Manassas, VA…

Early next month, Manassas train aficionados will want to attend the 20th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival. More than 30,000 visitors are expected to attend this free event, at which trains are the theme and fun is the intent.

Local model train groups will be displaying their miniature train layouts, and train enthusiasts will no doubt want to take photos for future poster printing. There will be Civil War reenactments, an animal nursery, children’s rides, and food vendors. Live performances will include bluegrass and country music featuring Cabin Raiders, Swamp Candy, and Smokey Winsted and Bull Run Grass. Belly dancers, martial arts specialists, and a magician will also perform.

Also, four train excursion routes will be offering round trip rides from the Manassas Train Depot to Clifton and back. Boarding times start at 10:00 am, and the last will be at 1:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the Manassas Train Station on weekdays or on the day of the event. Attendees need to allow enough time for purchasing tickets before boarding the train.

The train festival will be held June 7, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Harris Pavilion in historic downtown Manassas and Manassas Train Depot, 9201 Center St., Manassas. There will also be displays of miniature trains and train memorabilia, with specialty vendors located outside.