MINERSVILLE — The Easter Bunny hopped aboard the train Saturday at the Minersville Railroad Station.
The Railway Restoration Project 113, a Minersville-based nonprofit organization, and Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad’s Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway sponsored train rides led by the CNJ 113 steam engine.
It was the second year children had the chance to join the Easter Bunny on a train ride. There were trips at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
“We have strong numbers in Minersville,” Matt Fisher, general manager of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, said. “We want to try and expand the business and people really enjoy riding trains, especially with their families around holidays.”
“I think a lot of people also want to get out and enjoy spring,” Fisher said.
Fisher said it is a privilege to work with the Railway Restoration Project 113 to bring the train rides to Minersville.
Rob Miller, Collegeville, said he was working for PPL in the area when he saw the steam engine in the station and learned about the event.
“I like trains and I got a 3 year old and he loves trains, too,” Miller said.
Wearing a train conductor’s hat, Evan Verdensky, 4, couldn’t wait to board the train.
“He loves trains,” his mother, Amanda Verdensky, Saint Clair, said.
It was also his first time riding the train with the Easter Bunny. He last rode the train in December with Santa Claus.
“I think the train rides are great,” Amanda said.
John Wagner brought his son, Thomas, 6, and daughter, Addison, 4, to watch the train pull out of the station.
“My son is a big fan of the CNJ 113,” Wagner said.
He said that his family has donated toward the restoration of the steam engine, which is one of a kind.
“They actually don’t want to ride the train because they said they can’t see the engine when they are on it.” Wagner said.