New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR) will host a unique fundraiser for the renovation of the historic Goldston Depot on Sunday, Nov. 12, at its rail yard in Bonsal. Visitors can ride the train and meet local author Larry Neal, Jr., who recently published a book on North Carolina train depots or they can purchase tickets for NHVR’s first dinner theater kicking off the holiday season.

Passengers with tickets for train rides departing at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. will be able to step inside the Goldston depot that was moved to NHVR’s rail yard in August 2017.

The depot was gifted to the North Carolina Railway Museum, home to NHVR, by Todd Gaines, a Goldston businessman whose father saved the 23’ x 58’ building from demolition in the mid-70s. Artifacts will be on display and author Larry Neal, Jr., will meet with visitors and sign copies of his new book Rail Depots of Eastern North Carolina.

Complimentary pieces of cake to celebrate the Goldston Depot’s move to NHVR will be shared with visitors while supplies last. Food and ice cream will also be available for purchase. Train tickets cost $10/adults, $9/seniors (ages 60+) and $7/children (ages 2-12, under 2 is free when seated in the lap of an adult).

A second ticketed event taking place in the rail yard beginning at 4 p.m. is A Christmas Carol Dinner Show performed by The Phoenix Theatre Company. The costumed characters from the show will ride the train with ticketed passengers. Immediately following the train ride, the show will begin and dinner will be served. Dinner consists of four entrée options, sides and dessert. Wine ticket vouchers can be purchased before the ride for $5/glass to enjoy during dinner.

The Phoenix Theatre Company aims to bring theatrical events to any space without an official stage space to perform. The show is interactive and encourages participation.

Dinner Show tickets, which include the 4 p.m. train ride and dinner, cost $49 (plus sales tax and a convenience fee), will be limited and must be purchased in advance online at www.TriangleTrain.com by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, November 10.

Visit www.TriangleTrain.com for event details and to purchase tickets to these two separate events.

NHVR’s Holiday Santa Trains are the only remaining rides for 2017 and take place the first two weekends in December.

“New and different events, like an author meet and greet and dinner theater, help our all-volunteer organization generate the funds needed to acquire and renovate train equipment and exhibits, like the Goldston Depot,” said Dave Chasco, NHVR trainmaster and marketing director. “Adding more events to our railroad appeals to our guests and helps keep the spirit of railroading alive.”