COUPLAND – On Sunday, Oct. 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Coupland Civic Organization (CCO) will hold its annual Choo Choo Fest, a fundraiser for the restoration of the CCO’s historic caboose, which sits next to the Coupland Depot. Choo Choo Fest will be held inside and on the grounds of the landmark St. Peter’s Church of Coupland.
The barbecue dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be prepared by Coupland’s Master Chef Peter Wabbel and will include sausage, pork loin, and chicken drumsticks. The sides of potato salad, coleslaw, and beans will be homemade by CCO members. Tickets are being sold in advance and are $15 per person for adults and $7 for children 8 and under. Tickets can be purchased from any board member or call Susan Schmidt, 512818-0648; Barbara Piper, 512-856-2635; Becky Sutton, 512269-8571 or Judy Downing, 512-2930501. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
It wouldn’t be Choo Choo Fest without a choo choo, and the Kiddie Express Train is always a big hit. Back by popular demand this year, from noon to 2 p.m., kids and their families will be able to ride free around central Coupland on this picturesque trackless train. The train is complete with a smokestack, bell, and whistle. Owner and driver JC Callis dresses as an engineer.
CCO President Susan Schmidt notes, “My personal favorite is the fabulous silent auction. We plan to have even more items this year, including antiques, arts and crafts, artwork, collectibles, décor items, toys, services, and much more.”
There will also be one of the famous Coupland bake sales.
In addition, the colorful collectible Coupland Caboose End of the Line t-shirts will be for sale. This year, brand new colors are available, so come and add to your collection.
Thanks to proceeds from previous Choo Choo Fests, the exterior of the caboose has been repaired and the caboose has been leveled and rests on new ties and ballast.
A new roof has been put on. The original door has been repaired and installed and a second door has been constructed to match and has been installed at the other end. The windows have been put into the cupola on top, and windows have been installed on the sides.
Exterior painting has been done, and now more work will begin on the interior.
The CCO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Barbara Piper, CCO Caboose Coordinator, notes, “Our historic caboose represents a step back in time and needs to be preserved as an important part of our country’s transportation history. Even though it is not totally restored yet, people already love to visit and take pictures. Our ultimate goal is to have a Children’s Museum in the caboose where children can climb the ladder, view surroundings from the cupola atop the car, and experience history.”
