Steven Butler of Morton works on the more than century old Chehalis-Centralia Steam Train on Wednesday afternoon in Chehalis. The train is out of commission for repairs.
The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum is scheduled to hold a Fundraising Kickoff Brews and Brats and Railroad Ride from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on July 31 in hopes of raising $10,000 for the Build Up Steam Fund created for the estimated $100,000 needed to repair the engine that serves as the main attraction of the Chehalis Steam Train operation.
The steam engine has been out of service for most of this year due to needed work on the firebox and other components of the vehicle. Train rides have been powered by a diesel engine, and will continue to be until the steam engine is repaired. A release sent out by the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Board of Directors asks for community assistance in the form of donation or sponsorship of the event. Twin Cities Sertoma will have servers to run the beer garden on July 31. The volunteer-run nonprofit does not have the financial means to cover a six-figure expense.
For more information, call 360-508-1774.
