Grandparents Day on the Train

TAKE A FREE TRAIN RIDE WITH
GRANDPA AND GRANDMA!

CLARKDALE, Ariz. Tell us how great your Grandparents are. Enter the Verde Canyon Railroad’s “Old West Express” essay contest and become eligible to win a trip aboard Arizona’s longest-running nature show. In 50 words or less, tell us what makes them so special, and we will publish it in an issue of Verde Canyon Railroad’s quarterly Rail newsletter.

Some lucky Arizona grandchildren will win three first-class train tickets for themselves and his or her grandparents for a glorious, historic journey aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad on Grandparents Day, Sunday, September 9, 2007. Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their old-fashioned finest for the four-hour journey to the ghost ranch at Perkinsville and back. Photos of families will be featured in a future newsletter.

The Verde Canyon Railroad’s iron horses are two rare FP7 diesel engines. They are decorated with the fierce profile of America’s own bald eagle, several of which nest in the hidden cliffs of the Verde Canyon. The vintage passenger cars are freshly remodeled, including new interiors, carpet and furniture.

After looking through the fascinating photographs and artifacts of the depot’s John Bell Museum, the “All Aboard” will sound, and you’ll be off, bound for tunnels, trestles and other unexpected treats in Mother Nature’s wonderland.

During the lazy days of late summer, the Verde Canyon is truly glorious. The large canopies of sycamore and cottonwood trees shade the meandering river’s inhabitants. The cool, green foliage is a refreshing contrast to the brilliant, blue sky and the stark crimson and sandstone of the majestic cliffs soaring upward on both sides of the track.

The gentle breeze created as the train makes its way through the canyon at a leisurely 12 M.P.H. is just enough to cool the summer sun’s rays. From climate-controlled coaches or canopied open-air viewing cars, the canyon can be appreciated and recalled as a memorable family experience for all grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.

Bring the family to the Verde Canyon Railroad for some “rail hospitality” this year. Call 1-800-293-7245, or visit the Railroad’s website at www.verdecanyonrr.com. To enter the essay contest, send your entry to Verde Canyon Railroad Old West Express Contest, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.

The Verde Canyon Railroad is located at 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, Arizona. Ideally situated below the cold of the mountains, and above the heat of the desert, the train depot is 25 minutes from Sedona, two hours north of Phoenix, and one and one-half hours south of Flagstaff. Passengers are encouraged to arrive approximately one and one-half hours prior to departure.