The Vermont Agency of Transportation has announced celebratory events at all Amtrak stations in Vermont as Amtrak resumes service on Monday, July 19. The Village of Essex Junction is home to Vermont’s busiest Amtrak station and is pleased to host a celebration of the arrival of the Vermonter as it pulls into the station. The public will be invited to participate in children’s activities, brief presentations from local representatives and Operation Lifesaver, and a walking tour to see the up and coming infrastructure changes taking place at 5 Corners in Downtown Essex Junction. Of course, no Vermont celebration is complete without some coffee and treats from our local businesses.
Activities begin at 9:00 am at the Brownell Library at 6 Lincoln Street in Essex Junction. Kids are invited to sit down to some juice and snacks while they make their own train-themed noisemaker for the Vermonter's arrival. Play with Brownell's toy train and learn more about their 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program which builds early literacy skills and prepares children for school. Participants will receive a train car for every 100 books read!
Next stop! Gather together at the Essex Junction station at 29 Railroad Avenue to cheer on the arrival of the train as the Amtrak Vermonter pulls into its first stop from St. Albans. Amtrak is offering $1 rides for travel within Vermont on July 19th. Visit the Amtrak website and use promo code V102 to purchase your ticket. Following the arrival, join us for coffee, local treats, and presentations from our representatives and Operation Lifesaver. The Essex Historical Society will share a display of historical paintings of the station.
Finally, join the Community Development Director for a walking tour of Downtown Essex Junction and the planned infrastructure improvements at 5 Corners.
Take part and join the Essex community as we celebrate this important step toward reopening Vermont!