SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – For many children, adults, and seniors, the Exposition Center at the New York State Fair Grounds was the destination to see different models of trains in motion. The annual train fair experienced its 48th year in hosting the exhibit, with trains from various parts of the country showcasing their creation.
The rideable and handheld trains generated a watchful experience for people of different backgrounds and ages. It offered a sense of communal engagement where meeting new people and having a family day out was there to be enjoyed.
Tom Lynch of the European Train Enthusiasts says the sentiment around the train fair reminds him of his childhood.
“It brings back memories from when I was little, like 10 or 11 years old when I lived in Germany, so it brings back memories from that which was fun. And I also enjoy talking to people, especially the kids who enjoy seeing the trains run around, with smiles on their faces that help,” he said.
For Bob Sixberry, the train fair offered him an opportunity to display his work, but it also had a deeper meaning.
“I had a serious stroke when I was younger so I can’t do my trade anymore so I needed a hobby and I had this old bed frame and couple of coffee tables that I knew I wanted, so I just tore the whole bed frame apart and the coffee tables and this is what I made out of it,” he mentioned.
Jeff Paston, Chairman of the Great New York Model Train Fair says the train allows people to find an appreciation for events like these regardless of demographics.
“It’s not just a kids thing, it’s an adult thing men and women get into this. You can learn what you need to learn to recreate these scenes and these worlds and you’re putting a world into a miniature situation so that you could show off the things that you have seen or know about and can show other people what that world was all about.”
The fair allowed kids to enjoy the inventions and talent on the show while adults were able to express their inner childhood excitement. The fair took place from November 4th to 5th and will look to continue their yearly event in 2024.