Easter bunny train returns to the rails

Glen Rock — The Volunteer Railroaders Association has announced the return of their Easter Bunny Train Ride, to be held this year on Saturday, March 24 and March 31. The trains will depart the NJ Transit, Glen Rock Borough Hall station at 10:20 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 2:20 p.m. on March 24 and take a ride up into Rockland County N.Y., before returning to Glen Rock. On March 31, the train will run out of Netcong at 9:25 a.m., 10:55 a.m. and 12:10 p.m., and from Hackettstown at 10:05 a.m., 11:40 a.m. and 1:05 p.m. Each trip will last about 90 minutes, giving everyone plenty of time to enjoy the festivities on the train. During the ride, the Easter Bunny will hop through the train and visit each child and give them a special gift from his basket. In addition, each child can have his or her picture taken with the bunny so they can always remember their ride, so parents are encouraged to bring cameras. Also on board will be three other cartoon characters sure to entertain the kids and make for a great day out for all on board. These trips are being run to help raise funds to restore and preserve the historic NYS&W Hawthorne train station. This little train station has been sitting on the corner of Diamond Bridge and Royal Avenues in Hawthorne for over 100 years and is a fixture in the middle of town. In addition, the VRA will use the funds to continue to support the effort to create a New Jersey State Transportation Museum and Heritage Center. Ticket prices are still $8 children under 12 and $12 for everyone else. Major credit cards are accepted. The VRA staffs their ticket office on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. All other times, leave a telephone message. The Volunteer Railroaders Association is a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. For more information or to order tickets call the VRA at 973-238-0555 or visit them online at www.easterbunnytrain.com.