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Thursday, June 10, 2021
GO! magazine — A&E in Northeast Oregon
All aboard! the Eagle Cap Excursion Train
By Dick Mason
BACK TO SCHOOL?
The Observer
ELGIN — Independence Day weekend will not only bring in the
celebration of our nation’s birth, but the offi cial return of the Eagle Cap
Excursion Train. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the train to a halt dur-
ing 2020. The Friends of the Joseph Branch, which manages the train,
announced the fi rst trip of the summer will be July 3.
The later start date gives the organization more time to prepare for the
ever-changing measures from the state level and for more people to get
shots against COVID-19.
Nearly 18 rides are planned, starting on that fi rst Saturday in July and
running through Saturday, Oct. 23. Most of the trips are scheduled for
Saturdays, but a handful of midweek trips that run during the afternoon
and evening are slated. Two train robberies are on tap, as the Gold Rush
Bandits, riders on horseback who “rob” the train, will take part again.
Fewer tickets will be sold to allow for social distancing and face masks
will be required for both volunteers and passengers, except when people
aboard are eating or drinking. A new ventilation system that fi lters the air
as it circulates is also being installed.
“We believe these measures will provide passengers with the confi dence
they can safely enjoy the scenic train rides,” said Ed Spaulding, president
of the Friends of the Joseph Branch.
Ten Depot Street in La Grande and Chuckwagon Sisters Catering in
Enterprise are providing the lunches for the train rides, which depart from
and return to the Elgin Depot.
The full schedule for the summer, and a description of the trips, is avail-
able at www.eaglecaptrainrides.com. The website is also where riders can
book a seat on the train, or they can do so by calling the Elgin Depot at
541-437-3652.
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2021 E ASTERN O REGON
L IVESTOCK S HOW
Tickets available online AND at the gate
www.easternoregonlivestockshow.com
K IDS C ORRAL
Sponsored by Pepsi & Kick’s Sportswear
Friday & Saturday during the rodeo
Schedule of
of Events
Events
Schedule
Carnival....3:00
pm-
9:00 pm
Carnival....3:00pm
- 9:00pm
Ed
Miller
Xtreme
Bull
Riding....6:30 pm
Ed
Miller
Xtreme
Bull
Riding....6:30pm
Schedule of Events
Schedule
of Events
Parade....2:00pm
Wallowa County Chieftain, File
Parade....2:00
pm - 9:00pm
Carnival....2:00pm
Carnival....2:00
pm - 9:00
pm
PRCA Rodeo & Horse
Racing....4:00pm
PRCA
Rodeo
&
Horse
Racing....4:00
pm
4-H & FFA Livestock Auction....8:00am
(Buyers Only)
BONUS: RIDE ALONGSIDE THE ENGINEERS
There is a bonus opportunity for riders this year, though it is limited to one
passenger per trip. Passengers have the opportunity to reserve a ride in the
cab of the engine alongside the engineers during the return trip.
Riding in the cab affords a unique perspective, sitting high above the track,
and the experience gives you a chance to talk with the engineers on the ride
back to Elgin.
This option, for those 18 or older, is by reservation only. Cost is the original
price of the ticket for a regular ride, plus an additional $200 for the ride in the
cab, which includes a special railroad cap, along with lunch and a seat in the
passenger car during the fi rst leg of the trip.
Carnival....1:00pm - 9:00pm
4-H &
& FFA Livestock
Livestock Auction....8:00am
Auction....8:00 am
4-H
PRCA FFA
Rodeo & Horse
Racing....2:00pm
(Buyers Only)
Carnival....1:00pm
- 9:00pm
PRCA Rodeo & Horse
Racing....1:30pm
Carnival....1:00
pm
- 9:00
pm
PRCA
Rodeo
&
Horse
PRCA Rodeo & Horse Racing....2:00pm
Racing....2:00 pm
PRCA Rodeo & Horse Racing....2:00pm
PRCA Rodeo & Horse Racing....1:30 pm
June 10th
10th —
— 13th
13th | | Union,
Union, OR
OR
June
June 10th — 13th | Union, OR
June 10th — 13th | Union, OR