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Trains Hit The Tracks at NorthPark

By Terri Rimmer

Chase Bank is presenting the 2005 Trains at NorthPark Mall, an annual holiday fundraiser which benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, TX.

You can only imagine taking a creative trip through a small Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Rushmore, and to the Dallas skyline in addition to experiencing Times Square and Washington, D.C.

The event, which started Nov. 19th, continues through New Year’s Day and is a beautiful model train display with over 35 ‘O’ trains traveling on a tiny trek across the U.S.

It started in 1987 and since then the vehicles have been viewed by more than one million, providing the monies to operate the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, a home-away-from-home for families who have traveled there with their kids for treatment in area hospitals.

“Thanks to our generous sponsors and those who visit The Trains each year we have been able to make our House into a home for the families we serve,” states Ronald McDonald staff.

New to the trains this year is a unique miniature train display that will be raffled off with $1,000 of the mall’s Gold.

The trains are from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Ban K. Bywaters. The trains begin in San Francisco and the magic comes to pass.

You can get a look at the trains, sponsor the event, buy railcars, and volunteer at the event by going to rmhdallas.com/event/trains.

Personalized railcars give an unusual chance for private and corporations’ involvement. They’re painted by artists and will be featured at the event. A standard railcar is $150 and a caboose costs $200.00. Engines will be on display next year. When the exhibit ends your car will be sent to you or your named recipient.

Volunteers will work in Ticket Sales, Exhibit Greeting, hostingt/hostessing, and line monitoring.

The NorthPark Center is located at 1030 NorthPark Center. Hours are M-Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. On Christmas Eve, hours are 10-4 and on New Years Eve, 10-6. The exhibit will be closed Christmas Day.

Price is $4 for adults, $3 for children 2-12, and seniors 65 and older. Admission is free for kids under two. Discount tickets are available at Tom Thumb stores for $1 off.

For more information, call 972-480-5312.

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