People have been flocking from far and wide to view the spectacle which is Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights and thanks to the Rotary Club of Emerald and District, they have not been going home hungry, with the club hosting a ‘barbecue ultramarathon’ over all 25 nights.
The Puffing Billy Train of Lights experience is being held from June 28 to July 12.
Rotary Club of Emerald and District treasurer Shalini Penny said the club was excited to take part in the growing event.
“Last year, the event took place over 18 nights,” she said.
“However, it was so successful that it is running over 25 nights this year.
“The popularity from last year saw tickets selling out within 2 hours of them going on sale.”
Ms Penny said the club has been able to feed 260 passengers when they disembark at the halfway point of the trip at Gembrook.
“Last year when Puffing Billy Railway approached Emerald Rotary with the proposition of running a barbecue on each night of the Train of Lights extravaganza, the club eagerly presented the idea to its members,” she said.
“Following an overwhelming response, it was unanimously decided that they would rise to the challenge and work all 18 consecutive nights – imagine having the same conversation this year for 25 nights.
“Not surprisingly, the members were fully behind the venture with family members stepping up to assist.”
This year’s event kicked off with a trial run evening for volunteer groups on Thursday 27 June.
Ms Penny said organiser John Henderson has prepared a comprehensive roster of volunteers throughout the event, while support came from Alan from Emerald Meats supplying the sausages, the Cockatoo Bakery supply the bread and Emerald Fruit Barn’s Aldo helping supply the onions.
“Determining the quantities of sausages, bread, and onions required posed a challenge last year,” she said.
“However, this year we have a much better idea of stock requirements.
“It is hoped that with the success of this event to date that Emerald Rotary can continue in the years to come as it allows the club to generate much needed funds, which are passed onto the local community.”
