Holiday Train Exhibit Returns to CF Dec. 21

The Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida and the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society present the 24^th annual exhibit “Trains at the Holidays” Dec. 21-Jan. 3. The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

The exhibit features modular train layouts and railroad memorabilia. Many of the layouts are inspired by historic Ocala landmarks, such as the Six-Gun Territory theme park that operated in Marion County until 1984.

“This event is a gift that CF gives the community each year for the holiday season,” said Dr. Allan Danuff, CF associate vice president for Arts and Sciences. “Thousands of patrons, young and old, come to enjoy the exhibit. My favorite part is watching the train hobbyists who build and maintain these exhibits interact with the folks who come along. They talk with older patrons about how things used to be, and seem to love explaining to the little kids the different types of trains and what they were used for. Where else can you go from the North Pole, to the mountains of the West to  Six Gun Territory in just a few short steps?”

The exhibition will open Saturday, Dec. 21, with a reception from noon-2 p.m. Admission to the reception and exhibit are free. The exhibit will be open daily during special gallery hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 3; it will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan.1. For more information call 352-873-5809.