Barnesville Depot Returns as a Festival Feature
For the first time in over a decade, the historic Barnesville B & O Depot returns as a Barnesville Pumpkin Festival feature. With a leaking roof in the past and more work ahead, the depot committee will open the station, caboose and cigar museum for the public to experience local and national transportation history Friday through Sunday.
With the recent railroad tunnel project complete, riders on the Little Roaming Railroad will travel through the newly-lighted tunnel and E. South Street underpass returning to the depot area along the now paved trail to the station. The rides are free thanks to a generous grant from the Belmont County Tourism Council. The rides begin at 6:30 Friday night and will run throughout the day Saturday and Sunday.
Other activities directed to the younger set include a straw maze, a balloon artist, pumpkin painting, and an opportunity to inspect an original B & O caboose.
Jo’s Balloons will be on hand after the parade on Saturday and Sunday from Noon – 3 p.m. providing a free balloon animal for the younger set. The artist’s appearance is generously sponsored by WVU Medicine/Barnesville Hospital. ©Barnesville Area News Company Photo
History displays, railroad-related gift items and a raffle will greet visitors inside the historic depot building. Outside, vendors will offer a variety of products from food to crafts. Two food trucks will provide a variety of options including lemonade.
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The committee thanks the following for making the depot return possible:
- Village Hardware and Rental for picnic table wood replacements
- Doudna Produce for pumpkin donations
- Joe’s Tire for children’s maze straw
- Barnesville Kiwanis Club for signs
- Ohio Hills Health Center for new first aid kit
- Belmont County Tourism Council for sponsoring the Little Roaming Railroad
- WVU Medicine/Barnesville Hospital for sponsoring Jo’s Balloon appearance
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