PENINSULA, Ohio — Since 2009, Alan Rice has been bringing smiles to passengers on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
He has spent a lot of time on the railroad and earned the most volunteer hours out of all 1,200 volunteers for CVSR.
“I’ve been with the railroad for 13 years, and I have logged over 12,000 volunteer hours,” Rice said. “I’m impressed. It was a goal of mine when I started way back in 2009.
He is now in charge of the train as a conductor, but his love for trains began well before he started working at CVSR.
“My dad used to take me on train rides,” he recalled. “Since then, my dad has passed. But when I’m on the train, like today, my dad is with me.”
This year, Rice gets to help the railroad ring in their 50th anniversary.
The railroad will be hosting several special events to celebrate this milestone.
One of the events is “Steam in the Valley” on May 13-15 and May 20-22.
Another exciting event being held for the anniversary will be “Preservation for Generations.”
This event will be at the Fitzwater Trainyard on Saturday, Sept. 10. Guests will wear their best 50s outfit to the train yard while enjoying activities from the 50s era.
The Railroad will also host the “Hale Farm & Village Exhibition” to celebrate.
According to CVSR’s website, “Hale Farm & Village will help celebrate CVSR’s 50th with an exhibition highlighting 50 years of history and remembering Siegfried Buerling’s accomplishments, the man behind Hale Farm & Village, and CVSR, who passed last year.”
This will be open to guests beginning June 1.
If you are lucky, you might get have Rice as the conductor during your trip.
