Ride through Cayuga, raise money for summer celebration
by Jessica Soule /The Citizen
The village of Cayuga is on track to make money to fund its upcoming 150th celebration.
The benefit “Music and Mayhem” will take people on a three-hour train ride that will begin and end at Harris Park. During the ride, passengers will enjoy live music, a cash bar, samples of CJS winery and McCadam cheeses.
For more than half a century, this area has served as a major transportation route between Syracuse and Rochester, as well as Buffalo.
The ride provides an interesting piece of railroad, and American history, said Deb Najorra, manager of passenger services.
“It really is a variety of views. I almost hate to say scenic because you never know what scenic means to people. This isn't the Grand Canyon but you will see the backyard of America,” Najorra said.
Participants will see some of the railroad, including industrial areas that are still functioning, such as the depot in Geneva.
Then, the train will go by Cayuga Lake and pass through a wooded portion.
At some point, the tracks will parallel the Erie Canal where small towns and villages sprang up along the canal in its heyday.
“It gives you a glimpse of what the railroad is all about,” Najorra said.
Village of Cayuga Trustee Helen Day is in charge of parks and recreation. She hopes for more events that utilize the local Harris Park.
“We've wanted to work together with the Finger Lakes Scenic Railway. We have such a beautiful park, in Harris Park. It's small but it's pretty, and people love trains so it's nice to bring those two things together,” Day said.
The 150-year celebration is scheduled for Aug. 3, 4 and 5. While the village was incorporated in December 1857, the anniversary committee decided to have a festival in August to take advantage of the better weather.
The proceeds will fund the three-day festival, including bringing fireworks for Saturday night.
Organizers plan to include classic cars, walking tours around Cayuga, crafts and vendors during the festival.
Day and the planning committee members knew passenger trains have stopped in the village before and thought the fundraiser offered a great opportunity to work with Finger Lakes Scenic Railway.
The train will leave from the municipal building, which has been remodeled from its time as a railway station. People can peruse the photos of the years past in the building as they wait for their coaches, Day said.
“We're hoping to have a full house of 130. Everybody is excited, especially that it is coming into Cayuga. Usually you would have to go to Geneva or Auburn to get to a train excursion like this. We hope to continue to do this type of event,” Day said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be
reached at 253-5311 ext 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “Music and Mayhem” benefit for
Village of
Cayuga's 150th anniversary
celebration
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, boarding begins at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Boarding and drop off at Harris Park, Village of Cayuga
Cost: $40 per person, 21 and older only
For details: Call 252-8681 or visit www.fglkrail.com
The village of Cayuga is on track to make money to fund its upcoming 150th celebration.
The benefit “Music and Mayhem” will take people on a three-hour train ride that will begin and end at Harris Park. During the ride, passengers will enjoy live music, a cash bar, samples of CJS winery and McCadam cheeses.
For more than half a century, this area has served as a major transportation route between Syracuse and Rochester, as well as Buffalo.
The ride provides an interesting piece of railroad, and American history, said Deb Najorra, manager of passenger services.
“It really is a variety of views. I almost hate to say scenic because you never know what scenic means to people. This isn't the Grand Canyon but you will see the backyard of America,” Najorra said.
Participants will see some of the railroad, including industrial areas that are still functioning, such as the depot in Geneva.
Then, the train will go by Cayuga Lake and pass through a wooded portion.
At some point, the tracks will parallel the Erie Canal where small towns and villages sprang up along the canal in its heyday.
“It gives you a glimpse of what the railroad is all about,” Najorra said.
Village of Cayuga Trustee Helen Day is in charge of parks and recreation. She hopes for more events that utilize the local Harris Park.
“We've wanted to work together with the Finger Lakes Scenic Railway. We have such a beautiful park, in Harris Park. It's small but it's pretty, and people love trains so it's nice to bring those two things together,” Day said.
The 150-year celebration is scheduled for Aug. 3, 4 and 5. While the village was incorporated in December 1857, the anniversary committee decided to have a festival in August to take advantage of the better weather.
The proceeds will fund the three-day festival, including bringing fireworks for Saturday night.
Organizers plan to include classic cars, walking tours around Cayuga, crafts and vendors during the festival.
Day and the planning committee members knew passenger trains have stopped in the village before and thought the fundraiser offered a great opportunity to work with Finger Lakes Scenic Railway.
The train will leave from the municipal building, which has been remodeled from its time as a railway station. People can peruse the photos of the years past in the building as they wait for their coaches, Day said.
“We're hoping to have a full house of 130. Everybody is excited, especially that it is coming into Cayuga. Usually you would have to go to Geneva or Auburn to get to a train excursion like this. We hope to continue to do this type of event,” Day said.
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be
reached at 253-5311 ext 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “Music and Mayhem” benefit for
Village of
Cayuga's 150th anniversary
celebration
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, boarding begins at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Boarding and drop off at Harris Park, Village of Cayuga
Cost: $40 per person, 21 and older only
For details: Call 252-8681 or visit www.fglkrail.com
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