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Staff reports

 

(Cordele, GA) The SAM Shortline excursion train will kick off the 2021 Season on February 13 with a romantic Valentines Day Dinner Train. The train departs from Georgia Veterans State Park at 5:30 and will take passengers on a 2-hour ride while they enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal.

In addition to the weekly Saturday trips to Plains, the SAM plans some very special events for the year including: A wine tasting train in April, murder mystery dinner trains, spirits tasting trains, May Day at Archery, 4^th of July dinner train, as well as trips to the Peanut Festival and Railfan Festival. Holiday trains are planned for Halloween and Christmas.

Barring unforeseen circumstance, Day Out With Thomas The Tank Engine returns to the SAM in June for three weekends. One of the most popular events in the country, kids can take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends series. In addition, little engineers can meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and participate in Thomas-themed activities including crafts, photo ops, and more.

In addition to the regular vintage coaches, three historic railcars are now part of the train including two with outdoor porches. All the cars feature large windows and are climate controlled.

Staff and volunteers are committed to keeping passengers safe and continue to follow state COVID guidelines.  While those restrictions are in effect, the train will not be sold to capacity, seats will be assigned to maintain staggered seating and prescribed social distancing and the cars will be regularly disinfected. Manager Chris Lockwood says that despite lower passenger loads, the trips fill up quickly. “We recommend you watch our website and buy your tickets in advance,” Lockwood says.

Once again, the “Americus Local,” an available stop on most trips, will provide visitors with a shorter afternoon ride and is more convenient for West Georgia and Alabama residents. Tickets are available at the Americus Visitor Center at 101 West Lamar Street.

A complete schedule and photographs are attached. More information is available at www.samshortline.com and https://www.facebook.com/SAMShortline

The historic SAM Shortline excursion train travels from Downtown Cordele through Georgia Veterans State Park in Crisp County and the towns of Leslie, Americus, Plains and Archery in Sumter county along the route of the original 1880s Savannah, Americus, Montgomery (SAM) Railway. SAM operates under the Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority. It is staffed by volunteers and by Georgia Department of Natural Resources and State Parks and Historic Sites employees.