One of the world’s most famous trains is set to roll through Cambria County in less than three weeks, and South Fork is preparing to welcome it with a community celebration.
Union Pacific’s “Big Boy,” the largest operating steam locomotive, is scheduled to leave Altoona on July 11 before heading toward Cambria County.
In South Fork, officials with the South Fork Historical Society said the locomotive’s visit has become the talk of the town, with plans in place to help residents and visitors get a good view.
South Fork Historical Society President Mark Kohart said he and his wife, Patti, are spearheading the celebration. The train is scheduled to leave Cresson at 11:15 that morning, and Kohart said they expect the Big Boy to come through South Fork sometime around noon.
Food vendors are set to begin at 10:30 the morning of July 11. Kohart said American flags will be handed out to the first 100 people there, and there will be train whistles for kids.
Kohart said the train coming through town will be a sight to see for people of all ages, whether it be for nostalgia or experiencing something new.
“For some, particularly the young kids and the young adults, they had never seen a steam engine, so this will be a day that I think they’re going to remember for many years, It has something to offer on all levels and you can feel the energy. We just had our Heritage Days this past weekend and it was kind of the buzz, the talk around town.”
Kohart said organizers, along with the fire and police departments, plan to block off Railroad Street, which runs beside the train tracks, while the train comes through to provide a safe viewing area.
“We have approval from South Fork Borough Council to place chairs there for the elderly, people who can’t stand, They’ll have a place to sit and the rest of us will be able to mill around and be able to have a good view, and you’re actually looking a little bit up at the railroad bed, so I think it’s going to be very impressive,”
Kohart said street parking will be free in South Fork that day. He also said there will be traffic control on the other side of the tracks, and that people can go to Mainline Memorial Park to see the Big Boy from across the Little Conemaugh River.