The Mercury Messenger Trainfest For Immediate Release Trainfest® Shatters Previous Attendance Records, Defies Economic Downturn Breaking record, Trainfest attendance up 3% over last year, manufacturer participation jumps 12%.
“Families came for an experience prompted by the fun of gazing at enormous and detailed operating layouts in all sizes,” said John Tews, executive director of Trainfest. “The show is designed to appeal to kids, to grow the hobby, and to build lasting relationships with future model railroaders. Our demonstrations, clinics and kids activities are perfect for families. People of all ages come to experience the fun. This year, our vendors reported strong sales with some even selling out of inventory.”
“I was not sure what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised to find extraordinary displays of trains,” said Jill Lintonen, mother of three-year-old Alex and six-year-old Lizzie. “I was amazed at seeing so many kids and parents. My children were mesmerized gazing at the big layouts, people were friendly, and exhibitors made an effort to engage my kids. The whole show was easy to navigate, even with a stroller and camera in hand.” The mission of Trainfest is to pass along the traditional hobby of model railroading to a new generation. This year, kids rode a kid-sized circus train replica, operated several other train layouts, and discovered a railroad built entirely from LEGO® blocks. Shiny brass and copper steam trains of all sizes captivated kids. Radio Disney gave away prizes and set up a craft booth with a make-and-take activity. Children raced two trains against each other on a track set up in the shape of a dog bone. Manufacturers and vendors showcased everything from starter train sets to miniature cars and buildings perfect for first time layouts. “The crowds were friendly and enthusiastic, and the feeling was contagious,” said Chris Sayrs, who brought his 6 year-old, Eddie. “We come every year and look for the pieces we will put in our layout. We learned so much from all of the exhibitors who gave us helpful tips to enhance our design, and we got ideas from manufacturers who demonstrated creative and innovative products.” This year, interest in Trainfest was sparked and fueled on the trainfest.com Web site, with visits that also hit a new level, with 24,500 visits since January. This year, the trainfest.com site offered a $1 discount coupon to be used with the purchase of a $10 ticket. Over 5,500 Trainfest enthusiasts took advantage of the offer. Kids 14 and under were free. Prior to the event, e-mail marketing captured interest with over 55% viewer rates, a level well above industry standards. Trainfest, a 37 year tradition, is America’s largest operating model railroad show under one roof. Next year, Trainfest will be held on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, again at the WI Expo Center at State Fair Park. The annual two-day event reaches train enthusiasts and families who come to see over 50 operating layouts from Z to G scale, over 60 manufacturers, 50 hobby dealers, 12 historical groups, artists and photography displays and on-site demonstrations, including locomotive testing. Trainfest, a non-profit organization, is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE) Division, Inc. of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). For more information, visit www.trainfest.com or call 262-820-3566. # # #
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Milwaukee, WI, (Nov. 17, 2008)…Trainfest®, America’s largest operating model railroad show, held Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, shattered previous attendance records, showing a 3% increase in attendance over last year. Manufacturer participation jumped 12% over last year. Parents, kids and train enthusiasts defied a current economic trend marked by decreased event attendance. Both days, crowds three and four deep gathered around layouts to discover model railroading at its best, to benefit from great retail values, and to experience the passion of model railroading. Sunday attendance was also at a record level, with visitors drawn to a variety of family-friendly activities.
