Once again, as they have for 35 years, people of all ages will gather April 26th at the Helena Civic Center, for the Annual Helena Railroad Fair. Young and not-so-young alike will gather to buy, sell, swap, show and enjoy trains of all sizes and kinds. Doors will open at 9:30 and remain until about 4. Admission is still only $3 for adults and under 12 are free.

The Helena Railroad Fair is one of the oldest and largest railroad hobby gatherings in the Inland Northwest and Northern Rockies, drawing vendors from across Montana, from Sidney to Kalispell, from Conrad to Dillon, and from as far away as Washington, the Dakotas, Colorado, Utah and beyond.

There will be BIG trains, little trains, whimsical trains like Thomas and trains so real you'll swear you can smell the hot valve oil. There will be books, toys, models, photos, paperwork of all kinds, railroad china and silverware, collectibles and tinplate. There will be operating model trains, trains to watch and people to talk with about trains and other transportation related equipment.

You don't need an excuse to come to this celebration of steel wheel on steel rail. You don't need to bring your lunch either, as the wonderful ladies of Beta Sigma Phi sorority will once again provide wonderful hamburgers, hot dogs and various other culinary delights. If that isn't enough, be sure to register for the train set given away to one lucky winner.