Sneak Peek at the Kiddieland Train

The United Way of Stephens County and Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis are teaming up to offer area children a “sneak peek” at the new Kiddieland Train at Fuqua park from 9am until noon on Saturday.

The drive-through event offers members of the community the opportunity to see the much-anticipated new train. Vehicles may enter Fuqua park from Beech Avenue, travel through the park and see the train, and then children ages 3-18 may get a Summer Fun Bag from United Way to celebrate the first day of summer. The bags are limited to the first 300 guests.

“This is a drive-through event only, as Kiddieland is not open and we are still social distancing,” said Helen Stewart, United Way executive director. “But enjoy the first day of summer and a special treat.”

The old train, which had been at the park since 1968, derailed in August 2019, injuring 11. It closed for the remainder of the season. Kiwanis began fundraising for the new train in September.

Kiwanis announced on Tuesday that Kiddieland will not be open to the public this season. Instead, the organization will offer private parties beginning in mid-July and continuing through the end of September. Private parties are limited to 50 people for a maximum of one hour during the evening Thursdays through Sundays, and Saturday mornings.