The Adna Grange has scheduled a spaghetti feed and bluegrass concert to raise money to pay for repairs to Engine No. 15 — The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad’s steam train.
The 1916 Baldwin locomotive has been out of action since March, 2019 due to needed repairs to its firebox. The estimate for the total cost to make the repairs is $150,000.
The railroad is currently using a diesel locomotive in its place.
The fundraiser is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Adna Grange at 123 Dieckman Road, Chehalis.
The menu includes spaghetti with choice of meat sauce or non-meat sauce, garlic bread, green beans, coffee, punch, cookies and ice cream. The cost for dinner is a donation of your choice, with all proceeds going to the engine.
Bluegrass band Fern Hill is scheduled to perform.
When Paul Smith, lead singer/guitarist for Fern Hill Bluegrass Band, heard about the event, he offered to have the bluegrass band perform to enhance the fundraiser experience,” according to a news release from the grange. “Paul and fellow band mate, Mike Eisler (banjo), wrote a special tribute song for the event entitled ‘Ole Number 15.’ ”
A CD with the song will be available for purchase for $5, with proceeds going to the train.
In addition to Smith and Eisler, Fern Hill Bluegrass Band is composed of Rolle Champe on mandolin, Brett Champe on bass and Stew Dodge on fiddle.
For more info on contributing to the Engine No. 15 repair, go to www.steamtrainride.com.
