The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is joining the 100th anniversary celebration of the East Haddam Swing Bridge this coming Saturday, June 15. Residents of Old Saybrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester and Haddam are invited to ride to the anniversary festivities aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, which is providing a free trip for 150 passengers up the Valley Railroad and across the Connecticut River to the landmark bridge in East Haddam.
This is a must-reserve event and tickets are strictly limited to 150 people.
The East Haddam Swing Bridge first opened on Flag Day in 1913. The Towns of East Haddam and Haddam, their respective economic development committees and historical societies, and other local businesses such as the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, organized this year’s upcoming celebration of the Bridge’s historic anniversary.
To help recapture the essence of the original 1913 grand opening, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is offering a unique excursion aboard their steam locomotive and Becky Thatcher riverboat to travel to the June 15 festivities. Passengers will get to travel on the same tracks used by others 100 years ago to reach the Bridge’s original opening ceremonies.
Led by the “New Haven” steam locomotive 3025, the train will depart Essex Station at 7:45 a.m. on June 15, making stops all the way north to Eagle Landing State Park. Once the train reaches the park, guests can hop aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat to view the vintage automobile procession across the bridge at 9 a m.
Guests can also take a shuttle bus to East Haddam village for the anniversary ceremonies and activities starting at 9:30 a.m. When the celebration ends, the 12:15 p.m. train will travel back down the river valley to bring all passengers home.
During the celebration, the Becky Thatcher riverboat will also offer a half hour harbor cruise from Eagle Landing at 10:15 a.m. open and free to everyone – including those who did not ride the train to the celebration.
To reserve a spot on the train, contact the Valley Railroad Company at 860-767-0103 or email [email protected].
For more information, visit essexsteamtrain.com/swing_bridge.html.
Editor’s Notes: Owned and operated by the Valley Railroad Company, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is a unique historic attraction in the Connecticut River Valley. The railroad has transported people in Connecticut since 1868, and the Valley Railroad Company has operated today’s well-known train and riverboat for over 40 years.
The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat takes people on exciting excursions through the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley, a place designated as “one of the last great places on earth” by the Nature Conservancy. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester, and the Becky Thatcher riverboat takes visitors past the undeveloped Selden Neck State Park on its way to East Haddam.
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers various eco-excursions and family themed events throughout the year.
For more information visit essexsteamtrain.com or connect with the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat on social media: facebook.com/essexsteamtrain and twitter.com/essexsteamtrain.