Visit & Tour 2008 - (Page 17) Tourism Services & St. Thomas Times-Journal, February 2008 • www.elgintourist.com St. Thomas 17 "Bringing History to Life" with the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society The Spirit of Elgin (also known as No. 9 pictured here), a 1923 steam-powered yard engine, is now operating in Waterloo. The engine, one of the few operating steam locomotives in Canada, burns about a ton of hand-shovelled soft coal an hour and uses about 3,000 gallons of water in an eight-hour workday making steam. Steam engines were replaced in the 1950s by diesel-powered models. The Restoration Society continues its work in St.Thomas with two smaller steam locomotives and a variety of vintage railway equipment. This totally volunteer group continue to maintain a presence here with their 0-4-0 No 124 and the Procor engine. Both are industrial switch engines. The 124 project should be complete by 2010. Thanks to these dedicated volunteers, the railway history of the area is being kept alive.This equipment can be seen at the Elgin County Railway Museum located at Michigan Central Railway Shop, 263 Wellington Street. For more information visit the website at www.steam-train.org or contact Roy Broadbear, President at 519-637-0863 or by email at roybroadbear@mac.com Streets Come Alive for the Iron Horse Festival! Live entertainment and train-related nostalgia blend together with wonderful results at the Iron Horse Festival in downtown St. Thomas! This 4 day event, taking place August 21-24, is a unique downtown street festival that features loads of live musical entertainment on 3 stages, family fun, and unique railway-themed attractions that help celebrate the rich history of this charming city. This free event attracts upwards of 25,000 visitors. Celebrating its 14th year, the festival has thrilled local residents and faroff visitors with one-of-a-kind attractions. New this year is an expanded Artist Guild presentation where Artists complete their work and display their talent. Culinary fans will enjoy the annual Iron Chef Grill-off where we feature two top chefs grilling off against each other in a head to head battle. Wine lovers will enjoy the Wine & Food Celebration being featured in the Art Centre. Visitors can hop aboard the Downtown Express street train to experience the sights and sounds of all the other festival attractions. Free live musical entertainment, midway rides, food, and fun take over the downtown streets! Model railway displays, a Classic Car Cruisein, Rib-fest, and a Kids Junction activity area add to the festival excitement. Visit our website, www.ironhorsefestival.com for more details. Elgin Mall • 417 Wellington St. St. Thomas • 519-637-2542 Open Monday - Sunday 10am-10pm dq.ca http://www.elgintourist.com http://www.steam-train.org http://www.ironhorsefestival.com http://dq.ca http://www.ironhorsefestival.com http://www.ironhorsefestival.com http://dq.ca
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