2026 Upcoming Events
Pumpkin Train Festival
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Train Rides Available
1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Closed for Volunteers Break
4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Train Rides Resume At
5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
People ask "What is the Pumpkin Train Festival?" Our answer too them is, a "Family Fun Day, filled with lots of family activities to do together".
Since we are located inside of Plowmans Park, we decorate along our trackside with family friendly Halloween decorations, (nothing scary or jumping out at anyone), since you will be taking a train ride to view the decorations throughout the park. When you return back to the station, the children receive a Free Trick-or-Trick Bag and head over to the Pumpkin Patch to pick out their favorite Free Pumpkin and decorate it with special pumpkin stickers. Then there are family activities to enjoy together, like Pumpkin Bowling, Tick-Tack-Toe, Bean Bag Toss, Ring Toss are a few games available to enjoy together as a family. Along with Scholastic Books and Special Visit from Clifford The Big Red Dog and Face Painting by Freaky Fun Faces. There will be Photo Areas setup to take that perfect "Family Photo" together, along with food and drinks you may purchase from the Plowmans Exhibitors, Roadie Sodie, and The Lucky Vault Food Truck that will be onsite this year. Prairie State Railroad Club will also be providing complimentary Free Popcorn and Bottled Water for your enjoyment. All while supplies last!
We hope to see you and your family there again this year for a wonderful "Family Fun Day" together!
Attention Trackside Display Supporters and the people considering a Trackside Setup on:
We ask you consider your display to be a Family Friendly Halloween Display, and not contain anything scary for the children or some adults.
Decoration Setup: Friday, October 2, 2026 from 10:00 A.M.—7:00 P.M.
Decoration Take Down: Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 10: 00A.M.—4:00 P.M.
Special Setup Times may be arranged with the coordinators of the event.
No Electrical; (extension cords, generators, solar equipment) will not be provide by PSRRC, you Must Supply your own electrical source or solar for your display, if you wish it to be visible during the evening train ride for everyone to enjoy.
Due to us be located inside of a park, Please NO Glitter, Confetti, Gory Display Items, or any type of a Jump Scare Mechanisms, Are Not Allowed and we appreciate your cooperation.
The public will be viewing the decorations throughout the park during their train ride, and their “Safety” is our upmost importance.
If you are interested in setting up a trackside display, please contact one of our Event Coordinators below by Monday, September 21, 2026 to R.S.V.P your trackside location:
Jerame Taft: 815-715-3476
Nancy Taft: 815-546-6437
“Please” leave a Voice Mail Message and we will return your call! OR Email Us At: prairiestaterrclub1@gmail.com
With the following information:
Name of your of your company or organization
What type of display you will be setting up.
Example : Cemetery/Graveyard
If your company or organization would like to help during the
Pumpkin Train Event by setting up an booth at their station location. Please indicate what type of booth you wish to setup; Example: Food, Beverage, Children Books and Crafts.
Thank You!
Our Proud Sponsor of the Pumpkin Train Festival
The Brummel Family provides the Pumpkins for the children.
