Clamshell Railroad Days

Clamshell Railroad Days, an annual celebration of model trains and local train history, will be held at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, 115 Lake St. S.E., Ilwaco, July 16-17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and will feature model train layouts from a number of regional train clubs. Admission is $5 for the weekend and includes a commemorative button. Children under 12 are free. Proceeds support the museum.

Layouts from a variety of regional model railroad clubs will be on display including the Cascade Z Modelers, Mt. Rainier N-Scale, the Longview, Kelso and Rainier Model Railroad Club, and the Pacific Northwest On30 Modular Group. Also on display will be a perennial favorite, Dean and Donna Mead’s LEGO Train.

The museum’s historic railcar Nahcotta will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3:30 p.m. both days. “Take and make” craft kits will be available for kids until supplies run out. The American Legion Post 48 will have a hot dog stand both days. On June 16 at 2 p.m. and June 17 at 10 a.m. historian Michael Lemeshko will lead walking tours on the early history of Ilwaco. Call the museum for more details and reservations for the tour 360-642-3446.