The town of Ritzville, WA is taking advantage of the visit of the SP&S 700 on Saturday and Sunday to throw a party. The 700 will be stopping for water mid-morning both days at Ritzville, and they are looking forward to the visit. This is a rare chance for the heritage SP&S 700 to star in a home-grown community goodwill event celebrating BNSF in Ritzville. Ritzville, as of latest word from their Chamber of Commerce, will meet the 700's arrival with an official greeting delegation, a Dixieland Band, and a huge balloon release. Activities also going on will include street vendors, the Morse Telegraphers club wiring the arrival and departure of the 700, more local musicians, the ex-NP Depot museum being open, a quilters' display from the area, and several other events. A huge local turnout is expected from the surrounding area, and they will gladly welcome everyone wanting to see the 700 in Ritzville.
In honor of this event, and the chance to un-officially recognize and thank our host, the BNSF, the PRPA is offering our Ritzville "NO FRILLS SPECIAL" discount tickets. On April 21 and 22 any available seat left on the train that either originates or terminates in Ritzville will be $59. These tickets, with a better description available at our website: www.sps700.org will be available day of, NO ONBOARD MEAL or complementary trip guide, and first priority vestibule space given to advance through ticketed passengers. A last minute passenger must arrange their own transportation to or from Ritzville. These tickets include:
April 21
Pasco to Ritzville, tickets available new Amtrak station
Ritzville to Spokane, tickets available Ritzville Depot
April 22
Spokane to Ritzville, tickets available Amtrak station
Ritzville to Pasco, tickets available Ritzville Depot
Tickets are subject to availability, day of, at the points of departure an hour before departure. (8 AM departure time Both Days). This is a chance for carpooling chasers to ride different legs of the train on Saturday and Sunday, to show your appreciation and support for BNSF Heritage Mainline Steam, and to celebrate with the community of Ritzville. It's gonna be a great party, hope to see all of you there!
John Cox, PRPA
http://www.sps700.org
johnpcox@juno.com