Phillipsburg, N.J.— Platinum Star Cleaning will present the third annual Phillipsburg

N.J. Railroad Festival, celebrating 172 years of railroad with music, food, vendors, and three walkable areas of railroad fun on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

The first railroad to arrive in Phillipsburg was the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ), which opened on July 2, 1852. Phillipsburg was once a major transportation hub, home to five major railroads with roundhouses and turntables as well as the Morris Canal.

Presenter Aaron D. Coleman, owner of Platinum Star Cleaning and producer of the event, stated, “He saw the importance of continuing the annual festival for the Town of Phillipsburg and the surrounding community after the last two years of the festival, which drew over 3000 attendees, and expects many more this year.” Coleman said, “I feel it’s important for businesses to give back to the community. “ Mr. Coleman further declared that the “All Aboard” sponsor for this year is McWane Ductile, Iron Strong since 1871 in Phillipsburg.

Mayor Randy Piazza said, “It’s great to see The Phillipsburg Railroad Festival not only come back for its 3rd year, but come back bigger and better than before.”

Coleman has built and fostered relationships and has been working on a plan he created connecting over sixty acres of Walters Park to Delaware Park, first with Walter’s Park to PU Tower & PU Station that will include trolley service, walking, and bike paths. Space for an amphitheater, reconstruct a roundhouse within its existing footprint, and reuse existing coal chute foundates for museum buildings to hold artifacts and displays. Platform connection between PU Tower and PU Station with staircase access. Also proposed is a transportation museum in a new parking garage with room for a restaurant/event space and ground-floor retail. “It is the goal with this plan to provide harmonious connectivity between all properties and non-profit railroad groups while promoting sustainable tourism and economic development that benefits the community for years to come,” Coleman remarked. He also spearheaded the restoration and completion of the Phillipsburg Train Station, which is now a museum, and the first floor has been ninety percent restored. Coleman praises the non-profit railroad groups, elected officials, community, businesses, and many volunteers for this “all aboard” movement in Phillipsburg. Coleman is trying to secure funding from the private sector for the conceptual plan and present it to the town, railroad nonprofits, and NJ Transit and Norfolk Southern.

The festival, which will have three walkable areas, kicks off at 11 a.m. in Area 1, Shappell Park, and the surrounding area with over fifty vendors, including food, crafts, businesses, sponsors, and exhibits with live music performed by Truth and Soul. The Phillipsburg High School Band will kick off the festivities with Mayor Randy Piazza of Phillipsburg, Council President Pete Marino, Council Vice President Meliss Paulus, and Council Member Lee Clark, along with other elected officials, including NJ Congressman Tom Kean and representatives from Seantor Douglas Steinhardt, recognizing the non-profit groups along the railroad, followed by a ribbon cutting celebrating 172 years of the rails coming to the Phillipsburg/Easton area.

Also nearby will be the Centerville and Southwestern Railroad (a.k.a. the Becker Farm Railroad), a miniature free train ride operated by the Phillipsburg Railroad historians with museum displays and equipment. The National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) in Bethlehem, PA, is bringing TUG, the museum’s former Bethlehem Steel rubber-tired rail car mover, to the Phillipsburg Railroad Festival. Phillipsburg Union Station will also feature various train exhibitors and vendors. The park will feature a well-known local band, Truth and Soul, and Tootsie the clown and face painter.

Area 2 is Phillipsburg Union Station, the former train station built in 1914, owned by The Friends of the NJ Transportation Heritage Center. Currently the first floor has been restored and is open for tours with newly built exhibits of various antique railroad artifacts, Morris Canal, and bus transportation displays. On center display in the station from Liberty Historic Railway are vintage railfan trips. The front facade of the historic train station has been restored to its original condition, made possible by a grant through the county.

A short walk away is the Phillipsburg Union Tower. The former CNJ railroad switch tower in Phillipsburg has been undergoing a full restoration since 2007. PU Tower will be open for tours with slideshows and films. Q & A with Bill Strassner, a former employee of 52 years, signs up for one more shift.

Area 3 is the location of Delaware River Railroad Excursions, where you can purchase tickets for a trip on the Warren County Winery Train, where you can enjoy a beautiful journey along the scenic Delaware River. Visit one of New Jersey’s most beautiful wineries. You will journey along the Delaware River to the farthest end of our railroad, debarking at the historic Riegelsville train station. The winery is just up the hill from the train station, and the shuttle bus will take you up their driveway. Trains run every 2 hours; you may visit either of the local pubs and return on a later train.

For the kids, take a ride back to the Jurassic Period and discover the magic of DINO DAYS! The Dinosaur Show with Field Paleontologists Mike and Roberta Straka will take you on a scientific exploration highlighting the world of dinosaurs, fossils, and rocks and minerals. Each summer, the team explores the Badlands of North and South Dakota, excavating dinosaurs. This fun-filled wow-factor show will cover the formation of fossils and herbivores vs. carnivores. Book your trip in advance for a beautiful ride on their historic railroad passenger cars.

The festival will also feature “The Phillipsburg Self-Paced Audio Walking Tour” which promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the community’s rich past.

Participants have the freedom to explore significant historical landmarks and learn about the events, personalities, and milestones that have shaped the Town of Phillipsburg.

Free trolley service will be available from 11-5.

Come and discover Phillipsburg’s rich railroad heritage and celebrate 172 years of railroad history! All aboard on September 14th, 2024.

Information provided to TVL by:
Aaron Coleman