Chehalis-Centralia Railroad providing Father's Day rides, barbecue

May 20—Dads, granddads, uncles, brothers and sons are invited by the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad to take a memorable train ride into the Chehalis River Valley for Father's Day.

The railroad and museum is offering a ride and full barbecue meal at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15.

The cost is $65 per person. Riders 4 and younger are free with a paid adult.

The barbecue with a train ride is limited to 100 passengers. Tickets must be reserved online prior to arrival. No walk-up tickets will be available.

Riders are asked to arrive at 4:30 p.m. for a leisurely barbecue.

"Eat on the deck or carry your food onto the train and enjoy your dinner as you ride," the railroad stated in a news release.

At 5:15 p.m., the train will depart the station for a ride into the scenic Chehalis River Valley. Passengers have the option of indoor and outdoor seating. Parking is free and the train is Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible. Departure is at 5:15 p.m. The train will return to the depot by 7 p.m. Attendees are asked to arrive a half hour prior to departure.

The gift shop will be open.

The barbecue will be catered by Joy's Once Upon a Thyme. The main course is barbecued ribs and there will also be baked beans, macaroni salad, fruit slaw and cornbread. Chocolate cupcakes with raspberry frosting will be served for dessert. Lemonade, coffee and water will also be available. Beer and wine will be available for purchase on the train throughout the journey.

In addition to the barbecue dine and ride, there will be regular outside seating without the barbecue.

The ride is available on Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Fare is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $18 for children ages 5 to 13. Those 4 and under are free.

The two-hour excursion to Ruth, a former rail-stop along the old Chehalis Western Train route, is a memorable way to spend the day with dad, the railroad stated in the release.

Trains depart the Chehalis Depot at 1101 SW Sylvenus St., across from the Veterans Memorial Museum. Parking is free. Reservations are required for the barbecue; however, walk-ups are welcome for the regular excursions.

Reserved tickets are available online at https://steamtrainride.com/fathers-day-train/.