There will be bells and whistles and lots of steam when the Kettle Valley Steam Railway holds its 100th birthday celebration for Engine 3716 on Thanksgiving weekend. Two train rides, a ceremony at noon and a 1912 theme lunch will all be part of the party on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Prairie Valley Station in Summerland.
Railway manager Ron Restrick is looking forward to the event which will mark this milestone.
“The 3716 is one of Canada’s most colourful steam locomotives — and the only CPR 2-8-0 consolidation N2b steam locomotive still working today,” says Restrick.
The 3716 was built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in November of 1912 at Montreal Locomotive Works.
The locomotive made her inaugural run with the Kettle Valley Steam Railway on May 22, 2005.
In 2011, the engine starred in one segment of the History Television series, What’s in a Name. People from across Canada submitted suggested names for the 3716, five were short listed and one name was chosen. The 3716 now wears a brass plaque with the winning name, Spirit of Summerland.
“We want to continue to share the preservation and operation of this important piece of BC Railway history,” said Restrick.
Reservations for the 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. train rides and the 1912 theme lunch are recommended. You can book your spot by calling 1-877-494-8424.