Train Festival 2009: Update

[CamasChris]

In addition to seeing 4449 on the 4th I also took the family to see the Disney Christmas Carol tour train today. Lets see if I can post some pics of both.

[RailCanon]

Anyone know anything about parking????????????????

i called about parking and some one over there that is a board member said people are on there own for finding parking

Here's the Official scoop on parking...straight from Jason Johnson via Trainorders.

Parking is fine, there are nearly 4000 spots within a 4 block walk plus we have busing for other lots around the city. Just follow the signs when you get to town and you will be fine.

They just had a festival a month ago [Curwood Festival] in town with 30,000 people for the parade. Everyone had a spot to park. We do not see any issues. Most of the lots we are using will be free parking and free busing!

[mikekmac]

Anyone know anything about parking????????????????

i called about parking and some one over there that is a board member said people are on there own for finding parking

Here's the Official scoop on parking...straight from Jason Johnson via Trainorders.

Parking is fine, there are nearly 4000 spots within a 4 block walk plus we have busing for other lots around the city. Just follow the signs when you get to town and you will be fine.

They just had a festival a month ago [Curwood Festival] in town with 30,000 people for the parade. Everyone had a spot to park. We do not see any issues. Most of the lots we are using will be free parking and free busing!

Gregg, any inside knowledge on handicapped parking? My wife can't walk four blocks in summer heat. She has a handicapped placard.

[Hogger1225]

If you are familiar with the site, I beleive that Chemical Bank, just across the river, is donating most of their parking area for Handicapped Parking.

[signmasters]

Anyone know anything about parking????????????????

i called about parking and some one over there that is a board member said people are on there own for finding parking

Thank you astrovanman1989, I can live with that! We were going to be there for 4 days but was told we would have to park in Durand and be shuttled to the festival so canceled our motel and will only be there for one day.

[J T]

Thank you astrovanman1989, I can live with that! We were going to be there for 4 days but was told we would have to park in Durand and be shuttled to the festival so canceled our motel and will only be there for one day.

Did you have a hotel in Durand or Owosso?

[sd70accsxt700]

If I understood right he dont have a room any more.

[J T]

If I understood right he dont have a room any more.

Right, I was just asking him where he canceled the motel...Owosso or Durand.

[PAT.C]

Thank you astrovanman1989, I can live with that! We were going to be there for 4 days but was told we would have to park in Durand and be shuttled to the festival so canceled our motel and will only be there for one day.

THIS MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL. PLEASE EXPLAIN.

ANYONE CAN PARK ANYWHERE IN OWOSSO THAT IS LEGAL AND AVAILABLE.

[GP30M4216]

Hey Gregg, thanks for the photo roster of each of those private cars 4449 is towing east... quite a variety of old road names represented! How many of the 261/MILW cars are they picking up in Minnesota? Any idea if they're planning on getting all the MILW painted ones together, either at the front or read of the train?

[signmasters]

Thank you astrovanman1989, I can live with that! We were going to be there for 4 days but was told we would have to park in Durand and be shuttled to the festival so canceled our motel and will only be there for one day.

Did you have a hotel in Durand or Owosso?

Our room was in Flint at Super 8 they allow dogs.

[CamasChris]

Just listening to railroadradio.net out of the Twin Cities and heard the 4449 talking to the dispatcher and the seemed upset they had to stop for water. He says "I need you to get out of the way for 3 westbounds". Seems the train delayers just dont know how a steamer works.

[J T]

Thank you astrovanman1989, I can live with that! We were going to be there for 4 days but was told we would have to park in Durand and be shuttled to the festival so canceled our motel and will only be there for one day.

Did you have a hotel in Durand or Owosso?

Our room was in Flint at Super 8 they allow dogs.

Well, I don't think you should have canceled it because I'm sure there will be plenty of parking in Owosso...if you know where to look. It's probably just a default that they are telling people about the Durand shuttle to keep as much traffic out of Owosso as possible, which is a smart move on the city's part.

[bnsfben]

Does anyone know when 765 is coming thourgh Durand. Also will 4449 be pulling the train under steam power. Or will it be 4000 diesel horses pulling it?

[mikerm19]

Your questions about 4449 answered here: http://www.railroadfan.com/phpbb/viewto ... 49#p101760

[PAT.C]

---PARKING IN OWOSSO---

THERE IS PLENTY OF PARKING IN OWOSSO. YOU MAY HAVE TO WALK UP TO A MILE TO GET TO SRI BUT I DON'T SEE ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS .
CHECK OUT SOME OF THE MAP SITES [BING.COM] AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA.
http://www.bing.com/maps/?wip=51&vendor=google&pkw=live maps 3d&s_kwcid=ContentNetwork|675173251


AS FOR WALKING---MANY GOING THERE [ME TOO] COULD USE THE EXERCISE.

[J T]

Does anyone know when 765 is coming thourgh Durand. Also will 4449 be pulling the train under steam power.

[redside20]

Crossbuck and I are volunteering with SRI and are staying at Baker College we are not staying in Okemos as our plans have changed.

[signmasters]

---PARKING IN OWOSSO---

THERE IS PLENTY OF PARKING IN OWOSSO. YOU MAY HAVE TO WALK UP TO A MILE TO GET TO SRI BUT I DON'T SEE ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS .
CHECK OUT SOME OF THE MAP SITES [BING.COM] AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA.
http://www.bing.com/maps/?wip=51&vendor=google&pkw=live maps 3d&s_kwcid=ContentNetwork|675173251


AS FOR WALKING---MANY GOING THERE [ME TOO] COULD USE THE EXERCISE.

Thanks Pat, I am getting an idea how thing are layed out and plan on getting there early thanks for the link. We are not carrying a lot in just our cameras and three lens between us, don't think we need 300mm. I'm thinking things are tight there. I'm sure there will be food I hope some church groups set up with food I can't stand concession crap after eating it for 30 years unless it's a corn dog. Thinking of a cooler we can go back to with sandwich wraps (A sandwich in which the filling is rolled up in a soft tortilla) and a cold beer, root beer that is. Looking forward to seeing everyone it's been a long time.

[MH2198]

I'm sure there will be food I hope some church groups set up with food I can't stand concession crap after eating it for 30 years unless it's a corn dog. Thinking of a cooler we can go back to with sandwich wraps (A sandwich in which the filling is rolled up in a soft tortilla) and a cold beer, root beer that is. Looking forward to seeing everyone it's been a long time.

Looks like Jet's Pizza in Owosso is a sponsor. I'll get my pizza fill for sure!