We are a town that for years, lived and breathed with the railroad. What better a place to have a railroad festival.
I don't know the logistics or rules regarding trains and the use of tracks, but, it would be nice to see some old vintage trains roll in and park on the Depot Street tracks, and let folks tour them. The old depot should be a museum, dedicated to the railroad and it's Corbin history.
This wouldn't work without the railroads help and cooperation, but, what better place to have one than corbin.
I agree, there is some great history in this town, with the railroad being at the top of the list. With Sharae Myers managing Corbin's Main Street Program, Mayor McBurney's vision of downtown growth, and Corbin's Tourism and Convention Commission, I think you have a very professional group of people in charge that will actually listen to the ideas that you and other Corbin residents have to offer.
I attended the Corbin Tourism Board's monthly meeting this past Monday, and I can honestly say it was the best run city related board meeting I have attended. Don Estep does a great job as Director and in conducting the meetings, and Tourism has a strong group of board members. It is open to the public, and is held the first Monday of each month at 12 Noon. I recommend attending a future meeting if you have a chance.
You know, that said, I think we should lobby for the tourism board, and all the "boards", to change their meetings to the evenings, around 6pm or so, so that all the working folks that are interested can attend.
I know the whitley county judge just changed their court meetings, and I think after folks get used to it, they will have big crowds. They may change their minds and "not" want the voting public involved in their business.
If you have ever attended a "Day out with Thomas" with a child. You would see the huge interest in railroads and children. My family has traveled to many states to enjoy the day with Thomas. It is a huge draw of familes for a $25-30 per person event. Just check it out on the internet.
What a great idea! I've traveled all over this country and almost every state has some type of Railroad related tour site or museum and they all bring in good crowds. Most people visiting these places are family oriented and spend a lot of money in those communities. There's one in Rhode Island that is a great day of fun. Bring one to Corbin and see how many venture off I-75.
Having grown up in Corbin, I think it's a fantastic idea to have a railroad festival. You know what would be a big draw? Model trains. People spend billions of dollars on their hobbies and model trains is a huge hobby. Why not capitalize tourism dollars on the fact that Corbin started as and largely remains a railroad town? If the railroad would work with the city, people who are train crazy would flock there by the thousands, particularly during festivals!
