Saturday is Armed Forced Day, and the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasions is coming up next month. So the Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum has put together a living history tribute to those who served in World War II.
On Saturday and Sunday, those who take a ride on the museum train will be part of a fictional World War II battle re-enactment. As the train makes its 12-mile journey across the Manatee County countryside, it will be transformed into "Von Kessinger's Express," on the run from the Allies across German-controlled France. More than 100 French Resistance, U.S. and British troop re-enactors (many from the group shown above at a World War II re-enactment at Fort DeSoto Park last year) will give chase.
The group also will set up re-created campsites for the troops and have displays of weapons, equipment and vehicles from the era.
The train departs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday from the museum depot at U.S. 301 and 83rd Street E (behind post office) in Parrish, which is in northwest Manatee County. (From Interstate 75, take exit 229.) Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 ages 2-11. World War II veterans are free, but must reserve a ticket. Seating is limited to 400 people per trip.
To reserve tickets, call 941 776-5050 or (941) 723-0755 Saturday or Sunday. Or buy tickets at the train the day of the event. More information and directions also are available at www.frrm.org
