Train day for visitors

EMERALD Lake Park has hosted a day out for Down syndrome.
More than 250 children and adults with the condition and their families rode Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Lakeside Station for a picnic in the sun.
The day featured food, face painting, miniature ponies, a magician and emergency service demonstrations.
Emerald miniature railway owner Bob Adam showed hundreds of visitors his collection free of charge.
Wayne Eriksen organised the event and was “blown away” by the turnout.
“There were people from as far away as Geelong and Traralgon,” he said.
Mr Eriksen said more than 30 years ago he saw a teenage couple with Down syndrome “looking after each other”.
“I’ve just never forgotten it,” he said.
“I wanted to do something for the community and that just came to me.”
He thanked everyone who contributed. “It was an extraordinary day,” he said. “The fact it was free meant it was accessible.” Mr Eriksen is looking for support and sponsorship to run a similar day next year with double the turnout.
“It was a ripper day,” he said.
For more information, email wayne@altransadvertising.com to offer support for next year’s event.