New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR), the Triangle’s Train, begins its new season of train rides and special events in April with the North Carolina Science Festival on April 10 and a new Brew ‘n’ Choo: Strawberry Festival on April 30.

The 2016 NC Science Festival which showcases science, technology, engineering and mathematics at venues across the state will be celebrated in the rail yard on Sunday, April 10, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event will include free science demonstrations and kids’ activities. NHVR’s new food vendor County Line Sweets Food Truck and its hot dog wagon, featuring a children’s menu, will be present along with Bruster’s Real Ice Cream of Apex.

On Sunday, April 30, during the prime of North Carolina’s strawberry season, NHVR will host its first Brew ‘n’ Choo: Strawberry Festival from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Brüeprint Brewing Company will pour its most popular beers and Cloer Family Vineyards will serve its wine for tastings and by the glass. County Line Sweets Food Truck and its hot dog wagon will serve food, Bruster’s will serve strawberry ice cream, and local folk and bluegrass musicians India Cain & Keith Allen will play throughout the afternoon.

To truly make it a strawberry event, the first 500 visitors to the rail yard will receive a free chocolate strawberry and the North Carolina Strawberry Association’s mascot will be present to take photos. All Brew ‘n’ Choo events are fundraisers that benefit projects at the railroad, such as the construction of a restroom facility, train car restorations, etc.

Train excursions on both April ride days will depart at 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. Ticket prices depend on age and range from $7-$10. All visitors must purchase a train ticket to be admitted onto the grounds and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Face painting will be an activity available to visitors on both ride days from 1-4 p.m. and along with beer and food, are not included in the train excursion fee.

The non-profit tourist railroad is located in Bonsal, N.C., 30 minutes south of downtown Raleigh off of U.S. 1, Exit 89. Visitors can view the full 2016 ride schedule and purchase tickets online at www.TriangleTrain.com. Any unsold tickets will be available at the rail yard ticket booth one hour before the first ride.