Prairie State Railroad Club to host first show

On Saturday, July 3, the Prairie State Railroad Club will host its first Railroad Show and Swap Meet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Plowman's Park grounds. Model railroads provided by area Boy Scouts and groups will be on display, as will vendors who specialize in railroad-related memorabilia.

Prairie State Club members will also be providing rides to the public on the club's own "large scale" 71/2-inch gauge railroad. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

The members of the Prairie State Railroad Club are passionate when it comes to "model railroading." The club operates a 71/2-inch gauge large scale model railroad layout with trains large enough for children and their parents to ride on. Located on the spacious grounds of Plowman's Park/Kenny Field, the club offers a nearly one-mile ride through the park on its miniature trains. The club is open to the public on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May through October.

Kenny Field/Plowman's Park is located one mile west of Big Rock at 48W508 Hinckley Road. Take Route 30 to Rhodes Avenue in Big Rock, and continue south 2 blocks to Second Street. Turn right (west) on Second Street-Hinckley Road and go one mile to the park.

For information, call (815) 272-8045, or e-mail 2jim@discoverlivesteam.com. Visit the Prairie State Railroad Club's website at www.prairiestaterr.org.