Train/farm toy show is today, Saturday

PRINCETON — The second annual Northern Illinois Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show will be held today, Saturday, at Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the three heated exhibit halls at the fairgrounds. Vendors from this event are coming from three states.

The late Bill Costerisan of Princeton originated and planned this event last year but passed away the week before the show date. This second annual show will be held in his honor.

Many different styles of model railroads will be on display. The O-Gauge Club from Peoria will be bringing their large layout which is more than 20 feet long. It contains houses, scenery, multiple tracks and tunnels. It is set up so the little train enthusiasts can watch the trains from their level.

The Tri-County N Tracker’s Club will be bringing a layout that is 18 feet long. The N scale cars are small which allows them to put extra long trains on their tracks.

The large HO train layout that was on display during the Bureau County Fair will be set up by the Princeton club members. There will also be other smaller layouts with operating trains throughout the buildings.

New and used train cars, scenery, buildings, engines and train toys will be available for sale. In addition, there will be antique toys and games. Farm toys will also be sold at this event. 

Admission to the show is $4 for adults. Kids 10 and under are free. A concession stand with breakfast and lunch items will be in the building.  

Bureau County Fairgrounds is located at 811 W. Peru St. in Princeton. See www.bureaucountyfair for information or call Kathy Costerisan at (815) 875-2606 after 5 p.m.