Nestled behind food vendors and across from the shopping pavilion lies the “Fairplex Garden Railroad.”
This railroad was first established in 1924, and moved to its present location in 1935. Today, there is well over 10,000 feet of operating track, which is now double the amount since 1996. There’s up to 30 different sections that are operating at the same time.
One of the scenes found around the railroad
The track goes through a variety of scenes intermixed with California’s history from the 1850′s to present day.
As you enter the railroad you are greeted by railroad docents that will walk with you as you embark on your adventure with the railroad track. They are very knowledgeable and eager to share with you what you know.
But soon, your focus will shift fast to the trains and the scenes surrounding you as you observe more and more. You’ll be amazed at the details that are found in each scene, and what they’ve thought of. Sights of a horse barn, a dairy barn, the Valley Blvd Drive in Theater, and new this year is their own renaissance fair.
It is a sight to see, and truly something worth stopping in for.
The track is run by volunteers which is a group of men and women and young adults dedicated in assisting with the development and maintenance of the track year round. Every Wednesday and Sunday throughout the year they are working on the track, except they do take the month of October off (to recover from the fair!)
Renaissance Faire
They are open every day the fair is open from 1pm to 8pm. So the next time you’re headed to the fair make sure to stop in and say hi.
Disclosure: The Fairplex Garden Railroad was here long before the fair, and is a completely seperate entity run by all volunteers. Their work, dedication, and passion is amazing to watch.
