Go behind enemy lines at Fox River Trolley Museum's 'Rails to Victory'
There's a train that's ready to go behind "enemy lines" and deliver much-needed assistance the World War II French Resistance - and it leaves from South Elgin this Saturday!
Take a trolley tour back to the Greatest Generation. Go behind enemy lines of occupied France during World War II. See the women who played professional fastpitch baseball give their all for the war effort!
It's all part of "Rails to Victory" weekend April 28-29, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. LaFox St. (Route 31) in South Elgin.
The museum is once again hosting World War II re-enactors. Four times on Saturday, at 11 a.m., 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m., riders can board a trolley adventure into "Occupied France," recreating the European interurban rail line that ran between Paris and Rouen, along the Seine River, during the summer of 1944. Those who dare can help the French Resistance deliver an important package under the nose of Vichy/Nazi occupiers in a ride complete with skirmishes.
While the performance is family friendly, it is not recommended for those who may be upset by loud noises, theatrical gunfire and battle re-enacting.
Special tickets and "French ID papers" for all rides are available at the museum or online at www.foxtrolley.org on the day of the event.
Tickets for regular museum operations will not be honored at this special event.
Admission to the grounds is free all weekend.
Experience a World War II military encampment, view a period battle on the banks of the Fox River, and be a fan at a Sunday U.S. Home Front baseball game with the Rockford Peaches, made famous in the 1992 film "A League of Their Own."
Additional events include an Army medical demonstration and a Sunday period World War II bicycle parade and trail ride; period military vehicles will be on display.
Co-sponsors include the South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department, Kane County Forest Preserve District and the World War II Historical Re-Enactment Society.
The special weekend is a fundraiser for the nonprofit museum, which works to preserve and maintain a Chicago-focused collection of antique railway equipment and a link to Chicago's colorful heritage of public transportation and electrically-operated interurban (intercity) railways. The museum is open Sundays and major holidays from Mother's Day through Oct. 28 and Saturdays, July 7-Sept. 1, as well as Oct. 13, 20 and 27. For additional information, or to charter a train, call (847) 697-4676.