By SALINA POST
Families searching for the elusive "Great Pumpkin" will have another chance this Halloween season, as The Great Pumpkin Patch Express returns to the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad.
Passengers will once again embark on a festive journey to the pumpkin patch located along the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad (ASVR) right of way between Jeep Road and the Smoky Hill River, where they can deboard the train and search for their very own Great Pumpkin.
Trains will depart from the Rock Island Depot at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19-20 and October 26-27.
Project manager Amy Boelling announced that before boarding the train, visitors can enjoy various activities in Old Abilene Town, including a psychiatric reading at Lucy’s booth, a coloring contest, and other fun surprises. This year's event promises a memorable experience for all ages.
The Great Pumpkin Patch Express was first introduced last year and saw over 1,600 participants enjoying the ride and the pumpkin hunt.
Tickets are available online at the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad website, asvrr.org.