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Take trip back in time at Fox Valley Trolley Fest

Visitors can take a ride back in time at Trolley Fest in South Elgin this weekend.

"It's a trip back in history. This is how grandpa, grandma got around in an era where people didn't have access to paved roads. There weren't very many ways to get around," said Bob Bresse-Rodenkirk, a volunteer for the Fox River Trolley Museum.

"We like to remind people what things were like back in the old days and give them a little taste of the transportation 1920s, 1930s style."

One of the trolleys people will be able to see is Chicago, Aurora and Elgin 20, a 114-year-old wood car that continues to carry passengers today.

The Fox River Trolley Museum, an all-volunteer run museum at 365 S. LaFox St. in South Elgin, has been hosting Trolley Fest for about 35 years and joined the South Elgin Riverfest Express during its inception 20 years ago. Riverfest Express continues through Sunday in Panton Mill Park, which is walking distance from the museum.

Hundreds of people take advantage of the trolleys during the festival to take a break from the South Elgin Riverfest Express or to sit back and relax and learn about the cars.

"We have young families coming through with their train-crazy kids, and we are more than happy to tell them about the history of the cars," Bresse-Rodenkirk said.

The museum will provide rides from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14. Fares are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors over the age of 65, $2 for children ages 3-11 and free for children under 3 years old.

For details on the Fox River Trolley Museum, visit foxtrolley.org.

  Three generations of the Dale family of St. Charles - Bill, his son David, and his son William, 2 - walk through a rail car at the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com, 2013

If you go

What: Trolley Fest

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14

Where: Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. LaFox St., South Elgin

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors older than 65, $2 for children ages 3-11 and free for children younger than 3 years old

Details: (847) 697-4676 or <a href="http://www.foxtrolley.org">www.foxtrolley.org</a>

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