B & O Depot Area Returning as Festival Feature
History, Railroad Kid Zone Activities, Vendor Opportunities Planned
After an absence of almost a decade, the Barnesville B & O Depot will open to the public during the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival Friday through Sunday, September 25-27, thanks to the efforts of the Barnesville Depot Committee.
With the long-delayed roof work complete, the first step is returning the depot to fulltime public use. During the festival there will be history displays, t-shirts, coffee cups and other depot items for sale and raffle of a queen-sized fall-theme quilt, all offered in the depot building – the “front door” to Barnesville from 1917 until rail passenger service ended in 1961.
The historic red B & O Caboose that dates to 1923 will be open for touring while the Roby Cigar Factory, originally located in nearby Belmont and in need of a new foundation, may be also be viewed.
Little Roaming Railroad – A New Attraction
New to the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival is the Little Roaming Railroad. Children of all ages are welcome to take a ride along the newly paved walking trail along the old B & O right-of-way including the tunnel under Main Street.
The Little Roaming Railroad will offer rides Friday, Saturday and Sunday thanks to generous support from the Belmont County Tourism Council.
Some folks may be familiar with the distinctive blue train that has appeared in the past at the Caldwell/Noble County Christmas Celebration and the nearby Ohio Hills Folk Festival at Quaker City.
Vendor Opportunities at the John Shradel Farmers Market Pavilion
Another depot area feature making a return is a marketplace at the Farmers Market Pavilion. Fourteen reasonably priced 7- by 7-foot booths are available for vendors offering baked goods, traditional and modern crafts, as well as antiques and collectibles. For more information contact the depot committee at 740-391-4024.
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Disclaimer: The author of this article is a member of the Barnesville Depot Committee
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