Summerville Gears Up for Steam Into Summerville Railroad Days

Home to one of only a few operating train turntables in the southeastern United States, Summerville is truly a step back in time for train and history buffs alike. The City of Summerville is currently gearing up for its annual “Steam into Summerville Railroad Days”. The 6 week celebration will usher in fall and visitors of ages, while bringing a wide array of festivities to Summerville’s Dowdy Park and the Summerville Depot.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad’s Summerville Steam Excursion is set to arrive at the historic Summerville Depot each Saturday beginning October 5 through November 10. Steam engine passenger trains are also set to arrive at the depot on 3 Sundays; October 20, 27 and November 10. Train arrivals and the turning of the antique steam engines are a highlight at each scheduled festival.  Tickets for these excursions are purchased through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at www.tvrail.com . These vintage train rides follow a historic route from Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga to the Historic Summerville Depot. A highlight of the “Steam Into Summerville Railroad Days” will be double steam engine arrivals on October 20, 27, and November 10.

Summerville welcomes the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and it’s passengers by opening the historic depot to the public and with activities, entertainment, and events planned for each train arrival. Each event hosted is unique to itself.  

Sum -Nelly Arts and Crafts Festival -October 5

Saturday events in Dowdy Park begin on October 6th with the annual Sum- Nelly Arts and Crafts Festival. Event hours are from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and admission is free. Sum – Nelly is a celebration that allows artists, quilters, musicians, food vendors, locals, and visitors to gather and enjoy the beautiful fall weather of Chattooga County. This event is coordinated by the Summerville Recreation Department. For more event information you may contact the Summerville Recreation Department at (706) 859-0910.

Sequoyah Quilt Show – October 12

Experience fall at its best as artists, craftsman, musicians, and food vendors gather together for a second weekend of fun! The Sequoyah Quilt Show will be held on October 12th at the Summerville Depot during the hours of 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Admission is free. There will be large quilting exhibits of all kinds, as well as demonstrations inside the depot. Quilts may also be sold at this event. Back by popular demand, there will be “Bed Turnings” of quilts narrated by quitters throughout the day. Persons interested in exhibiting or selling quilt products at this show may contact Summerville Main Street at (706)859-0900 Ext. 1337. Food and craft vendors will also be on site and the arrival of the train is expected around 1:00 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Pumpkin Palooza 7 The Great Pumpkin Derby  – October 19

Everything’s Coming Up Pumpkins At The Pumpkin Palooza! Build a pumpkin racer and compete for prizes and trophies in the Pumpkin Derby, to be held on East Washington Street at 1:30 p.m. There will be plenty of pumpkins in all forms and lots of fun activities. Decorative pumpkins, ornamental gourds, and more will be on sight for sale. Pumpkin decorating contest, pumpkin pies, food and craft vendors, the arrival of the TVRM Passenger Train, and a celebration of the symbol of fall….. The Pumpkin! As always free admission and great family fun! For more information on the Pumpkin Derby contact Summerville Main Street at (706) 859-0900 ext 1337.

Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner At The Depot – October 20 & October 27

Step back in time to a slower pace of life and enjoy an “Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner” at the Historic Summerville Depot. Servers and staff will be dressed in old fashioned attire for the day and event goers will have the opportunity to enjoy an “Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner” while enjoying live music. The meal will be served by a local restaurant at the cost of $8.00 for a meat and 2 vegetables, or $6.00 for a 4 vegetable plate. Bowls of pinto beans and cornbread will also be offered at the cost of $3.00.

An arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger Train is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and a turning of the Summerville Turntable will also be featured. Other vendors will be on site for those wishing to shop. This event will operate from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and is free for the public to attend.

Community Fall Festival – October 26                                                                                      

October 26th Dowdy Park will come alive from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Fall festival fun for everyone will be at the Community Fall Festival! Menlo, Lyerly, and Leroy Massey Schools team up with Summerville Main Street for one big community fall festival! Dowdy Park will be filled with games, prizes, inflatables, and great food from each school. Craftvendors will also be on hand. Announcement of School Kings and Queens will be held at 12:00 Noon. Wristbands will be sold on sight for $10 to play unlimited games for prizes, jump in inflatables, and lots of fun. Over 20 games will be available for play. Wristbands will also be sold in advance at Menlo, Lyerly, and Leroy Massey schools beginning October 1 for $8 each. Participate in the Cake Walk for $1 per turn for Homemade Baked Goods, Bid on Silent Auction Items, Get Hair Painting & Face Painting for $1 & $2, or purchase bbq, hamburgers, funnel cakes, nachos,chili, hotdogs, ribbon fries, and more from the school concessions booths! T&T Sweet Treats will also be on hand selling popcorn & shaved icees!!!

Train fans will not want to miss the steam engine arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger Train. Following the arrival, spectators will view the Summerville Turntable in action turning the majestic steam engines. All contest participants will be invited to greet the train as it arrives at 1:00 p.m.

Summerville Renaissance Festival & North Georgia Cruiser’s Cruise-In – November 2

Dress as royalty, fairies, pirates, and peasants while you enjoy shopping, art, games, and a feast fit for a king. The Summerville Renaissance Festival will return with pageantry, arts, music, dancing, artisans, theater, food, and more. Renaissance Performers from Georgia and Tennessee will be on hand to give festival goers a magical experience. Find King Henry the 8th,Fairy Grandmother, human gargoyles, and the King of the Trolls. The Renaissance Festival hours are from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  

In combination to the Renaissance Festival, The North Georgia Cruisers will sponsor a Classic Car Cruise-In on East Washington Street. The group invites all Cruise-In participants, enthusiasts, and those who dream of owning a classic, classy ride to attend.

The Cruise-In is designed to give the public a chance to show off your ride, hang out with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a great day in our community. There is no registration fee to participate. 

Trains and Tracks Expo November 9-10

Train enthusiast of all ages will enjoy the Trains and Tracks Expo at the Summerville Depot November 9-10. Expo hours of operation are:  Saturday, November 9 from 10:00 am-3:00 pm and Sunday, November10 from 11:00 am -3:00 pm. Sunday’s train arrival will feature a double steam engine arrival. A highlight for the event will be the Chattanooga Modular Modeler Train exhibit. The expo is designed for children of all ages; for modelers, collectors, and enthusiasts; for families in search of good old-fashioned fun; and for the simply curious. It will feature tables of trains, accessories, scale models, and collectible toys. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Steam Engine is scheduled to arrive each day of the event at 12:45 pm with passengers and will be turned on the Summerville Turntable, for the public’s viewing pleasure. There will be railroad memorabilia for sale, food and craft vendors at the depot, and much more.

The Chattanooga Modular Modelers, Inc. are a non-profit corporation. The Chattanooga Modular Modelers use the hobby of model railroading to educate the public about the role the railroads have played in our nation’s history. They teach techniques for construction of portable displays. They also teach electronic principles used in modern devices, and how to display artistic expression through the mastery of the many skills necessary to complete a model railroad or diorama.

For more information on events contact The City of Summerville at (706) 859-0900 Ext.1337 or visit www.summervillega.org